Chaperone for vulnerable adult

[SootyCat20]

Just looking for advice please. We are currently planning a trip to Australia in mid 2018 for a family wedding. Our only concern currently is DSD's travel arrangements. DSD has high functioning ASD, is classed as a vulnerable adult and gets lost/very confused easily. Our plan A was that DSD would fly out with myself and dh. However we (myself and dh) are now (unavoidably) going to be flying out before DSD can get time off work. Hence she will need to travel alone and most likely the same coming back. She has never flown longhaul before either which doesn't help. A relative will meet her on arrival in Australia but we're worried that she will struggle with catching her connecting flight in a large airport/multiple terminals (most likely going via Singapore or Dubai currently).

We've been looking at the option of a chaperone service, similar to those for unaccompanied children but can't find any airline offering such a service for adults (just children). Has anyone got any advice/experience/suggestions of airlines that might offer such a service? TIA :)

This is something that you need to speak to the airlines about directly as it is probably something that they will do but not necessarily put on their website. they may ask how she will present if stressed on such a long flight on her own and you need to think about the answer to that before you speak to them. their worst case scenario is an adult having a melt down on a very long flight which they then have to deal with so you need to reassure them that you are confident that she will be fine to do this.

if you cant reassure them then unfortunately one of you will have to stay behind and travel with her.

for people with other disabilities, you can book for someone to meet them off of the plane and take them in a little buggy to the next flight and this might be the way to go. good luck and it would be useful for the forum if you came back and said what responses you had had or what arrangements you have made.

That is a long and stressful journey for anyone - is there no way one of you can wait and travel with her?

Probably worth contacting the airports themselves rather than the airlines. Google Dubai airport assistance etc. Most major airports offer something similar although you may need to phone the customer service desk of the airport for all the options.

I am not an expert but I can’t help but think a child wouldn’t be chaperoned on a long haul flight, surely?

Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports provide this service - meet & greet at the airport.

Can a family never meet her in Sydney? You can get direct flights now (they stop to refuel but you stay on the plane).

www.marhabaservices.com/english/our-services/meet-greet

I would look at their Silver Meet and Greet Service.

If the most worrying bit is the connecting flight the airport assistance service would help her - meet her off the first and take her to the second. I use the service regularly for physical disabilities but have been on the buggy with adults with mental health issues. They are there for anyone who needs it. Agree would be good to speak to the airline as well.

I would think all long haul airlines offer a chaperoning service, mainly because so many older people need additional support and help with long haul travel and connecting when a lot of walking is necessary in unfamiliar terminals. I would call any airline you're looking at and make sure they can provide a support service, but I bet they all do (or you could maybe book something through the airport itself, if not).

Check with the airline about disability and mobility assistance (it's not just for mobility-related 'disabilities'). Eg British Airways' definition of specific travel needs includes developmental impairments.

The escort will be provided by airport staff but the request needs to be made in advance via the airline.

Thanks all for the replies - We spoke to Emirates (our preferred airline) who have said they'll be able to help if we contact them nearer our departure date. I'll try and come back to update once DSD has traveled if I remember :)

I thought all airlines provide disability assistance. I've travelled with a few and always book as a disabled passenger.

am not an expert but I can’t help but think a child wouldn’t be chaperoned on a long haul flight, surely?

You don't have to be an expert to read the OP. The DSD is an ADULT.