FoggyRock General Forum

The carseat or booster seat from home is a great idea...We did the same thing successfully when my kids were younger.  They can't escape either.  I usually ask for the back of the plane because it is louder (the noise didn't bother my son) and so other passengers wouldn't hear us if we got a little rowdy.  Plus, it was close to the restroom.  I always give the flight attendant a heads up and let her know if we had special needs that should be considered.  I will also ask for a cup of ice before the flight begins (or bring my own) so that kids have something to munch on the incline.  A portable DVD player with brand new DVDs might be helpful--you might borrow them from the library so you don't have to buy brand new...or get a one month subscription to netflix.com to get stuff that you might not be able to find locally.  Take food---you never know how long you might be sitting on the plane.  I used to take little cans of playdough and make silly creatures for the kids to entertain them.......Take a change of clothes in carry-on bag in case of accident.  If the flight is at night, you might want to bring your child in his jammies so he is comfortable and might sleep.  Bring a favorite comfort item, like a blanket or stuffed toy.  Some kids like stickers---you can bring a slew of them and let him stick them all over the in-flight reading material.  If he understands visuals, you could even give him a picture schedule with rewards attached for incentives to behave.  Also, you might want to board the plane last--just so you have less waiting time in the plane.
And key:  have him wear an autism t-shirt so that others around you will give him a break instead of just thinking he is a naughty kid if he melts down.   It really helps.  Let us know how it goes!

We moved from Kansas to Japan...and richie was about the same age as  your child....he actually did pretty well...and I think its easier when they are younger to Fly. I took alot of snacks with me...to keep him busy, things he liked to eat at the time...like fruit snacks, cheerios, and I packed his favorite toys....and his sippy cup! Another great saver, was when we flew around christmas time...richie loved candy canes....and yep it was mess...but boy did it help at the time. Also, he had a weighted vest...and granted, we had to produce the handicap pass at custom's and security...to get that through...but that also helped him too....if he doesnt do the vest...they have them in blankets also!
I think in the other story, there is probably a bit more too it...or it just doesnt sound like it was handled very well, by all parts. Also, they dont want to continue down this road, because it opens them up for all types of legal actions.
Tell them about your son ahead of time...and try to sit him in a quieter area of the plane...with my son, we tried to sit him close to the TV....cause he loved to watch TV, and by a window.