We flew with our kid this past summer and she did very well. We identified her triggers (anxiety with new places, loud noises), and spent a couple of weeks reading stories and talking about riding on airplanes, looking at pictures of people on airplanes, and incorporating social stories so she knew what to expect. We also have a Nabi Jr. tablet that kept her pretty busy.

Hi,
We took our daughter on a 5 hours flight in September. It was our 1st time travelling with her. She's 4.. I was absolutely dreading it, especially as she'd also developed PANDAS.. I almost cancelled our holiday I was so worried.. I packed a special carry on for her with snacks, iPad, favourite blanket, books and toys. The airport were great (DUBLIN ) no quing etc. I found putting her blanket over her stroller and giving her iPad in her little den helped a lot. We only had a few mind of upset which was diffuse quickly by a treat or 2 she rarely gets. Once on the plane (the part I was dreading the most) was actually OK. I'd prebooked seats at the very front of the plane so she wasn't really aware of all the other passages. I explained situation to cabin crew and she was able to remain out of seat in front of us whenever she needed to. She eventually hopped up onto my knee and fell asleep for almost 2 hours as she'd worn herself out!!
Good luck with travelling, try to be as calm as possible, explain your child's needs to staff and it won't be as bad as you fear..
In fact I'm actually looking forward to our next family holiday.

United Airlines has a program for autistic children. I am not fully familiar with the program but from what I hear they simulate the flying experience so children can get used to what it is like. I thought there were a few other airlines testing this sort of thing out as well.

I don't fly with my children although my son could definitely handle it, however my nonverbal daughter could not. Being in a confined space with not enough to do is asking for trouble when it comes to us. Long car trips are difficult enough let alone flying.

I think you just have to know your limits and know your child. If they are able to tolerate airline types of conditions you will be ok, but if not you may not want to do it.

Contact TSA about getting through the security line faster. My daughter can't handle lines and that was my initial fear. Try a short flight before attempting to fly overseas for example. The Ipad stinks and is a big hurdle to communication but it does help to pass the time for ASD kids. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures

If you know you kid's meltdown triggers, try to bring what they need with you. Planes can have nervous passengers and the airlines kick people off if they appear to be potential problems in flight. Here's case a last year http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-m-green/to-...(Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators).html.

My son is now 8 autistic he has been flying since he was about 2 mo old as he got older my best friend on flights are IPAD EARPHONES BLANKET SMALL PILLOW HIS Cup. And inhaler Benadryl Claritin trazadone for sleep purpose if a late flight

The other meds if he has reaction because he has several allergies