So much of the time we on this thread have a lot to complain about with regard to the way other people/organisations etc are unhelpful or non-understanding with respect to our SN children. I want to just put a good word out for a change!
We have just got back from a holiday with DS (ASD, non-verbal, aged 3), we flew with much trepidation, as the last time we took a flight with him we had a terrible time. Things went very well indeed this time, though. Well, we were more organised and prepared this time for sure, but Ryanair was also really helpful and good, and made everything go so easily.
Lots of things helped. Firstly their website has a useful section with advice re SN people. This included advice about approved travel harnesses to use on the plane, and I duly got one of these (DS can easily unbuckle a normal plane seatbelt, and on the previous flight just refused to stay in his seat once he had realised that he could get out. This led to much carrying-on, as of course he had to be in his seat for takeoff and landing, and also, when allowed to move the plane, he started trying to steal people's iPads and handbags!). This time, the harness worked a treat, he seemed to just accept that this was like a car trip, you simply get buckled in and there you stay.
Then, you can register an SN passenger with Ryanair, so they are aware in advance. At the airport (both ways) they could not have been more helpful. They allowed the rest of the family to get on the plane absolutely first, to be sure we all got seats together, my DH could get the harness ready, and get the iPad, cucumber slices, and other reinforcers in place etc. Then DS and I were allowed to get on the plane basically at the very last moment, when everyone else was seated, so no hanging aound in the aisle etc. He was whisked into his seat and strapped in, and we took off. No problems, all his stuff was at the ready and we had a great flight both ways.
The attitude of the staff (both staff here in the UK and local staff abroad) was just so helpful, concerned and nice, basically they really listened to what we said we needed to do and ensured that it happened.
I will be writing to Ryanair to say thanks to them but just wanted to share this here. I think Ryanair sometimes gets a bad press but on this occasion they really came up trumps.