My 12 year-old daughter has been on three flights including one to the Far East. She is sensitive to certain noise like me coughing and alarms. She doesn't wear headphones but she plays the phone next to her ear.

We did get expedited through the line for security because we contacted TSA before the flight. We only did once at Atlanta but now it's easier because we know what to expect. My daughter didn't have a meltdown because she wants to get on the plane and she realizes everyone is stuck in the line. She likes to say "Weeee" whenever the plane dips but so far none of the other passengers has confronted us. She likes to look at the smartphone or tablet.

Some ASD kids don't like change but my daughter really likes to travel, fly and stay in hotels.

https://autismtravel.com/2020/05/04/tsa-prechec....

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-que...

My son is the same way, nothing on or around the ears. (Haircuts are a nightmare!!!) does he wear hats by any chance? They make headphone hats and neck speakers. Probably won’t drown out the noise completely but could be loud enough to distract him.

Not sure if you were already bringing your car seat on the plane but if you think he’s going to escape his seat or tantrum and you aren’t planning on having your car seat, the cares harness is supposed to be really easy to use and folds up small.

We babywear a lot, especially when we travel. We gate check our stroller and wear the kids on/off. So much easier to be hands free to juggle all our stuff and helps make a quick exit. We use a toddler sized Tula coast carrier with the mesh panel.

Good luck! Hope it goes well!

Good luck and enjoy the move, my son at the age of 4 Hes 34 now, I used headphones that worked for a few minutes then they gave me 2 cups to cover his ears that helped for a while, but if he doesn't like anything over his ears. I hope it's a short flight.