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Original poster

AIBU to question sunflower lanyards for adults at airports?

377 replies

Postjurywoes · 20/09/2026 15:51

Why do adults need sunflower lanyards at airports?
My SIL wears one as she says she can't cope..... when I asked her how she coped pre lanyards, she just said she did.

So if she coped then, why can't she cope now?

What does she think will happen at the airport? Surely adults can manage their own behaviour/actions and if they can't they shouldn't be travelling.

What does an adult wearing one, expect to happen at an airport?

OP posts:
Lifejigsaw · 20/09/2026 15:53

It allows staff to know how to help if you’re visibly struggling. Wait till you find out that some of us fill in hidden disabilities forms before hand so we can get help if needed on the plane!

CitationNeeded · 20/09/2026 15:54

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allthiscarryon · 20/09/2026 15:54

The issue is that people who don’t need them at all are wearing then for either special treatment or attention. It’s a shame because it’s reflecting on those who really DO need them.

TigerRag · 20/09/2026 15:54

Because they're not just for people with ND / MH problems

During the pandemic I had to wear one because everyone wore masks and I couldn't hear them

randomchap · 20/09/2026 15:55

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Original poster
Postjurywoes · 20/09/2026 15:55

Lifejigsaw · 20/09/2026 15:53

It allows staff to know how to help if you’re visibly struggling. Wait till you find out that some of us fill in hidden disabilities forms before hand so we can get help if needed on the plane!

Bit why not just ask for assistance when you book your flight?

OP posts:
dundermiffling · 20/09/2026 15:55

As with so many well-intentioned initiatives, it has been ruined by misuse and entitled scroungers

Original poster
Postjurywoes · 20/09/2026 15:55

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Surely you booked assistance for him?

OP posts:
CurlewKate · 20/09/2026 15:56

I would explain, @postjurywoes. But I suspect you wouldn’t understand.

TeenToTwenties · 20/09/2026 15:56

My DD is an adult. She takes her sunflower lanyard when we travel. At crowded airports we sometimes use it to gain access to the assistance area which is calmer.

She can't yet travel alone, and needs me to talk to her to distract throughout the short flight.

CitationNeeded · 20/09/2026 15:56

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CitationNeeded · 20/09/2026 15:57

Postjurywoes · 20/09/2026 15:55

Surely you booked assistance for him?

Show quote history

Yes. But then what do you do about the people who sneer, swear in your face and physically try and block him from getting past as they don’t think he deserves special treatment.

why does it bother you?

Original poster
Postjurywoes · 20/09/2026 15:57

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No need to resort to name calling.

I'm asking a question.

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 20/09/2026 15:58

They are to show that the wearer has a hidden disability.
Chances are, they have booked assistance in advance if they know they are going to struggle. And some wont know until the day as a lot of conditions can flucuate.
A lanyard at least show the people that are tutting and thinking they are getting "special treatment" actually do need it.

RhosynCymru · 20/09/2026 15:58

@CitationNeeded well said. Currently navigating a situation where dealing with a lot of hospital visits etc for my husband and being very impacted by my neurodivergence I struggling with executive function. To look at me many wouldn’t realise how badly impacted I am as I hold down a job, can drive myself everywhere and dress myself neatly. However if they read my diagnostic report they would realise the price I’ve paid in burnout all these years. So I have been advised for times like this to wear the lanyard.

CitationNeeded · 20/09/2026 15:58

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TigerRag · 20/09/2026 15:58

Postjurywoes · 20/09/2026 15:55

Bit why not just ask for assistance when you book your flight?

Show quote history

Booking assistance doesn't mean it'll always turn up. Not everyone who needs a bit of help books assistance. I don't if I'm with friends. But I do need a bit of understanding from staff

blondeboobshell · 20/09/2026 15:58

I have mobility issues it alerts staff that I need assistance. It’s just an easy way to identify. I guess the only risk is anyone can chuck one on but I assume as it’s also on your booking details it can be checked.
I can’t say how I coped befor because my condition has only been an issue last three years. But I guess for your sil it’s a difference between previously her struggling and it impacting on her negatively and now she has a better experience.

ThePieceHall · 20/09/2026 15:59

My now adult daughter wears a sunflower lanyard when needed as she is blind.

Original poster
Postjurywoes · 20/09/2026 15:59

CitationNeeded · 20/09/2026 15:57

Yes. But then what do you do about the people who sneer, swear in your face and physically try and block him from getting past as they don’t think he deserves special treatment.

why does it bother you?

Show quote history

I'm asking a question because I do think they're abused.

I do think the treatment you have described is acceptable. I think its terrible.

OP posts:
x2boys · 20/09/2026 15:59

TigerRag · 20/09/2026 15:54

Because they're not just for people with ND / MH problems

During the pandemic I had to wear one because everyone wore masks and I couldn't hear them

Originally they were but then it was jumped on by anyone and everyone during the pandemic ( im not talking about you personallly)

dizzydizzydizzy · 20/09/2026 16:00

allthiscarryon · 20/09/2026 15:54

The issue is that people who don’t need them at all are wearing then for either special treatment or attention. It’s a shame because it’s reflecting on those who really DO need them.

How do you know? They are for hidden disabilities.

CitationNeeded · 20/09/2026 16:00

We booked asssiatnce for my dd at Berlin airport. It didn’t show up and several adults physically shoved her out the way and blocked us from getting to a quieter part of boarding.

We very nearly had to stay an extra day in Berlin as she was so traumatised by it.

Your questions aren’t innocent, they are sneery.

Original poster
Postjurywoes · 20/09/2026 16:00

ThePieceHall · 20/09/2026 15:59

My now adult daughter wears a sunflower lanyard when needed as she is blind.

Genuine question. Pre lanyard. How did she notify staff she needed assistance.

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 20/09/2026 16:00

Also, someone having assistance at the airport takes nothing away from you at all. I don't get the aggro about people getting on a plane before other people. It is not a bus where it is first come, first served.
The plane still departs at the same time.