Gift bag ideas for aircrew on our first flight to Spain

[ToffeePennie]

Hi all,
I am definitely overthinking things but we go on our first flight to Spain in a few weeks. I have an autistic husband and older child (both with scoliosis) and an 8 year old with ADHD. Due to the severity of these conditions I put in a welfare form with Tui, and we are travelling from Manchester airport.
I thought it would be nice to give little gift bags to the aircrew (my brother used to be a flight attendant) to say thank you because I know they work super hard and having to deal with my family will be a lot. I was thinking maybe hand cream, foot cream or lip balms? Any other ideas welcome!

Book in for special assistance via the airline and use the sunflower lanyard. Manchester airport offers good support from check in through to the departures lounge aimed at getting you through quickly. They also have quiet rooms for people with hidden disabilities which might help with sensory overload.

The airline will let you decide when to board eg right at the start or end of boarding. I found my kids were best on and settled first but other find their kids are better left to run off energy before the flight so opt to board last. Basically give your kids every chance of success on the flight.
Good luck, I know how anxiety provoking it can be.

Fair point, there may have been a change of rules since that happened...

This is an excellent point, would this help, is there anything we can help you with in terms of how it works, it may help settle your nerves.

What is it you are worried about? Will your dcs refuse to have their seat belts on? Refuse to sit down? Lash out? Shout? Or just be ‘quietly’ distressed? What is the ‘a lot’ you are thinking of the crew having to do? Unless you are confident that they will remain quietly in their seats I’m not sure you should take them, it could be very distressing for everyone.

I have no experience of what you live with, @ToffeePennie, but I have chronic back and knee pain and need special assistance in the form of a wheelchair, when I travel by air. As a pp has said, definitely ask for Special Assistance, through the airports at both ends, it will hopefully alleviate some of your stress. The ground staff at Manchester airport are unfailingly helpful and kind, I’ve found. I saw tipping mentioned upthread and I usually tip if I have cash with me, which is less and less frequent these days, though. I think I’ve travelled once with Tui (I have used Jet 2 more often and they were good) into Manchester and the flight crew were also very helpful but I agree, I don’t think gift bags are necessary, perhaps as your brother mentioned, a box of choccies for them to share might go down well.
Good luck for your journey and I hope you all have a lovely holiday.

I'd assume more assistance will be needed at airports than during flight,unless there are specific triggers or situations during flight you expect may be difficult for DC's to cope with?