If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, travelling through an airport can be an overwhelming experience.
We have provided a guide showing you what to expect when at the airport.
Click here to download the Guide to Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Before you travel
Printing off and talking about the sort of things you may experience at Liverpool John Lennon Airport using the guide may help to prepare for the journey if you haven't flown through the airport before.
You may wish to visit the airport before your travel date so that new surroundings are familiar on the day. All car parks, check-in and arrival meeting areas can be accessed at any time. Departure lounge visits may be available on request and can be arranged by emailing us at customerservices@liverpoolairport.com.
Pre-book assistance
When you book your flights or holiday please tell your airline or travel agent if you or anyone in your travelling party has a hidden disability. This will help the on-board crew, as well as agents at the check-in desks and departure gates, understand your circumstances so that they can best assist you.
Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard
We are happy to be able to provide a Sunflower Lanyard to assist passengers through Security, either independently or with help from assistance service partners.
If you would like a Sunflower Lanyard please contact customerservices@liverpoolairport.com with your flight number and date of departure. Please note that the lanyards are not a Fast Track ticket through security, but is designed to assist you through the process as smoothly as possible.
Sensory Space
In partnership with ABM the Sensory space will be available to prebook on a first come first serve basis by emailing customerservices@liverpoolairport.com.
The tranquil space is open between 08:00 – 18:00 daily and can be used to desensitise before boarding to prepare for the next stage in the journey for those who may find travel over-stimulating.
We can accommodate individuals travelling with an adult, of all ages. We do require you to contact us no later than two days prior to travel to reserve access, and we can only accommodate one party only at a time.
When booking, plan your arrival time at the airport to be 2 hours before your flight, allowing time to check bags in and pass through departure security and bear in mind you will need to leave the room when your flight boarding starts, typically 40 minutes before your flight
We are sorry, it is not possible to consume food or drink in the Sensory space, but there is a picnic area adjacent which you can use. Check-in for the Sensory space on the day is at the ABM assistance desk on the check-in concourse.
Find more information about the Sensory Space here.
Suzie Books
If you are travelling with children for the first time, we recommend the Suzie Books by Charlotte Olson.
Ostomy Awareness
Assistance team members, security colleagues and airline partners are here to help. We are pleased to have been awarded Ostomy Friendly Airport status in association with Stomawise UK.
Ostomates may wish to pick up a 'Self mobilisation card' from the assistance desk in the check in hall.
Feel free to ask for a private search at security. Upgraded accessible facilities have surfaces where you can place supplies and the Changing Place is available on request We are pleased to have been awarded Ostomy Friendly Airport status in association with Stomawise UK.
For more information please see the following link: http://www.stomawise.co.uk/
Click Here for a guide on travelling through the airport with an Ostomy.
Dementia and cognitive impairment
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is working with dementia groups and organisations within the region to promote travel for passengers and their friends or family. We offer pre-travel visits on request and welcome your questions before travel by contacting us at customerservices@liverpoolairport.com.
We are working with thredCiC, who have developed dementia awareness training for airport and citywide colleagues.
If you have or are travelling with someone with cognitive impairment, these tips may help:
- Plan your journey. It may help to travel to a destination you have been to before.
- Checklists are useful to make sure you have your travel documents and everything you need for the trip.
- Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight so that you have plenty of time to pass through the processes.
- If you are wearing a sunflower lanyard, keep it visible at check in, security, the boarding gate and passport control. Our colleagues will be on hand to assist if you need help so please ask if you are unsure of anything.
