Breeze to Host a Mock Boarding Event for Future Guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder as Airline Works to Become First Domestic Carrier Certified by Autism Double-Checked
Breeze Airways, the newest, nicest domestic low-fare airline, is continuing its partnership with Autism Double-Checked, to train the airline’s flight attendants on ways to identify and alleviate the stresses of air travel. In addition, the airline is planning a mock boarding exercise next month to assist Guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
Once fully trained by Autism Double-Checked, Breeze would be the first domestic airline to hold the certification.
By operating out of underserved airports, Breeze already provides a more pleasant travel experience. With the partnership, Breeze extends its caring service to the autism community. More than half of Breeze’s flight attendants have completed the training program and the airline will now offer the training for pilots also.
The mock boarding exercise will take place at Hartford’s Bradley International Airport on May 16 and will replicate an actual flight for Guests and their families, to become familiar with air travel procedures and know what to expect on an actual flight.
“This mock boarding event offers people with autism and their families the valuable experience of making their way through TSA and onto an aircraft – empowering them to be better prepared for future travel,” said David Neeleman, Founder and CEO of Breeze Airways. “With programs such as these, we hope to be doing our part to be a more inclusive airline as we grow.”
“We are pleased to partner with Breeze Airways and Autism Double-Checked on this important initiative,” said Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “At Bradley International Airport, our mission is to make travel enjoyable and easy for everyone. This exercise is one of the ways we strive to achieve just that, while also building on our existing programs. We look forward to welcoming the participants and their families.”
Breeze’s partner in the initiative, Autism Double-Checked (ADC) was founded by accomplished travel professionals and parents of children with special needs. As such, ADC brings a deep understanding of travel industry logistics and the difficulties faced by families of individuals on the autism spectrum when traveling.
Autism Double-Checked co-founder and CEO Alan Day, said: “Breeze Airways set out to serve the underserved, by operating from underutilized, less crowded regional airports. Now, they are going the extra mile with their wonderful efforts to become autism-inclusive and cater to the special needs of a community that has been largely ignored by the airline industry. As such, the commitment to a practice boarding event, such as the one at Bradley International Airport on May 16th, is a big deal for any airline, and Breeze has enthusiastically stepped up to the plate.”
To mark World Autism Month, Breeze’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications Angela Vargo also spoke on a panel with the Society of American Travel Writers today, moderated by Autism Double-Checked Co-Founder David Tait, about Breeze's efforts to make travel easier for Guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.
The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) is an organization of 2000 travel and tourism professionals made up of writers, editors, and PR people, representing destinations, hotels, and more. Twice a month SATW sponsors webinars for its members, covering relevant topics within the travel industry.
To commemorate World Autism Month, Breeze also released a video spotlighting Team Members from across its network sharing their personal experiences with autistic loved ones in their lives. Click here to watch the video.
Breeze doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees up to 15 minutes prior to departure and offers other benefits such as free family seating and a la carte pricing. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Flights are now on sale at www.flybreeze.com and via the Breeze app.
