I am so sorry.......15 hours is rough! But, they've got to see your son! I've done flights from Illinois to California with one stop in between. I've also done a 3 day Amtrak train to California. Now that was tough! Our son was three at the time, AND was sick! Long story....but back to you......

My advice....take your son to the doctor before your flight just to make sure his ears/sinuses are clear. And if they are....still bring meds for just in case he wakes up the morning of all stuffy and congested. I'd also get several new toys/games/snacks that you know he will like and put them in a separate bag. Every few hours you can take out this new toy/game and give it to him. Hopefully it can keep his interest until you pull out the next one. make sure he has some kind of electronic devise with games/movies on it that he likes. Maybe a travel game....could be a fun thing to do. For example make a sheet with pictures of things you might see at an airport, and as he sees them he can check them off. I wish I had done that. I thought of it afterwards. My son was overwhelmed at the airport and I think a game like that would have helped him to focus and feel less stressed.

Also, go to the library and get books on airplanes and pilots so he will feel prepared and know what to expect. Also, I made a book last time we flew to Cali. that described what we'd be doing.......for example. Day 1 Wake-up, get dressed, eat, drive to airport.......etc. I made it in advance and read it to him several days in a row leading up to our trip.

Bring some good ear plugs and/or ear muffs, or something if he's sensitive to loud noises. Also, travel pillow, and his favorite blanket was helpful. Oh, and back to ears there are special earplugs you can get for kids that are supposed to help with plugged ears while flying. If your son will tolerate wearing them, might be worth it. They are called EarPlanes. And don't forget gum, or candy to encourage him to swallow. It's all about the ears!

Too much advice??? sorry I may have gotten carried away a little. Hope some of this helps.

I've got the same situation. My mother-in-law couldn't get a U.S. tourist visa in Manila so we have to fly a family of four over there if my kids ever want to see their grandmother. If my ASD daughter has a meltdown I want tell my fellow passengers "You can thank the U.S. government for not thinking about the implications for the people they turn down for visas".