TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Family Travel

Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck for Disability Families

by

view of the Empire State building at sunset as seen from an airplane window

As with anything in life, airport security works a little differently for families with disabilities. Eventually, most frequent travelers end up looking at the benefits of Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck. Jennifer Allen shares her family’s experiences of traveling with a wheelchair and medical needs.

Our takeaway: For frequent travelers within the US, TSA pre-check is a useful service that’s worth every penny, even when traveling with or as someone with a disability.  Global Entry is for those who travel internationally to avoid onerous passport checkpoints upon returning to the U.S.  BTW:  TSA Cares is a helpline that theoretically provides travelers with disabilities additional assistance during the security screening process, (Call 72 hours prior at (855) 787-2227) but in practice few TSA airport managers have the time to train their agents on this service. Read More.

Legoland Puts All the Pieces Together for Guests on the Autism Spectrum

by

Legoland Resorts announced last month that all its North American theme parks would become Certified Autism Centers (CAC) by March 31st. Legoland parks in Florida and California received autism certification in 2022. The company’s newest theme park in New York will receive autism certification when it reopens in March.

The certification involves specialized training for staff, sensory guides at each ride advising if there are features such as bright lights and loud sounds that might impact visitors who are on the spectrum, and the availability of low-sensory areas and quiet rooms. Read More.

Our Takeaway: Parents with children on the autism spectrum are not willing to have their families forgo vacation experiences at theme parks and attractions. They will choose to spend their money at places that are welcoming to all of their children. Credible certification is a key to winning the trust and confidence of these travelers.

FUN FAMILY VACATIONS

by

TravelAbility has collaborated with Mélange Publishing, to produce the world’s first digital magazine for travelers with disabilities.  Each quarterly issue focuses on a different theme with the just released winter issue exploring accessibility around family travel.

Nikki and Jimmy Lean into Life: Recounts the story of Nikki, a single mother and her son Jimmy, who is blind, and what they look for when planning a trip.

My WOW Experience: An 11-year-old blind tween tells us about his favorite travel experiences.

Overwhelmed by Joy: Guest Editor Jennifer Allen, shares her wisdom from years at the helm of Wonders Within Reach, a family travel blog that focuses on accessible destinations and products for families. 

The issue contains 12 other feature articles and is the only publication that provides quick summaries and links to recent posts of 42 accessible travel bloggers, vloggers and Instagrammers. 

Read the full issue here.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Your name and email will never be sold to third parties.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Your name and email will never be sold to 3rd parties.