The little boy’s sense of wonder was palpable after his first flight. He beamed, stating, “I almost touched the blue sky, and I held some cloud dust.” 

How he got there is a story worth sharing. For many autistic people and their families, air travel can feel overwhelming. The sensory demands, crowds, security screenings, and unexpected delays can make flying feel out of reach, keeping some families from traveling at all.

Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation's Autism Aviation Days, held at Toronto Pearson Airport in partnership with Autism Ontario, help reduce that stress and build confidence by familiarizing autistic people and their families with what to expect at the airport. 

A 2021 study of 100 parents and guardians of autistic children found that waiting was the most stressful part of air travel, with waiting at security (100%) and check-in (96%) topping the list. Crowds (92%), delays (98%), and fear of being separated from family (81%) were also major stressors 1— all of which can discourage families from travelling by air. 

Autism Ontario and Air Canada recognize these challenges. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience travel in a way that feels calm and accessible,” says Eric Lauzon, Director Community Relations & Partnerships, Air Canada. “Autism Aviation Days help create a supportive environment where participants can become more familiar with the journey and build confidence in the process.”   

“This event is about much more than a real flight experience,” says Jason Montoya, People and Family Experience Supervisor, Autism Ontario.  “It is about helping families build confidence and discover what is possible. Every family arrives with different goals, experiences, and comfort levels, and success can look different for everyone. Whether a family completes the entire experience or takes a first step toward future travel, every step forward matters.”

“We feel welcome, not judged, and it's also about the community” says Iryna Gavryshchuk, who came with family that included their autistic son, Matthew. While they had flown successfully as a family some years ago when Matthew was much younger, they wanted to give it another try. We are working on it, and we would like him to participate in this event.”

Benjamin Weber had much the same idea when he brought his autistic daughter, Juniper.  While both of their children had flown when they were much younger, he and his wife wanted to see how they would do ahead of any future trips. “I don't think she really had any issues, but we wanted to try it out again, since she's a bit older now, and see how it goes.” He mentions they’ve also been attending Autism Ontario events. “It's a way to try new experiences and see what she's capable of doing and what she'll be comfortable with.”   

Shannon O'Reilly attended the event with her husband, Derek, and their sons, Dylan and Connor. "Derek and I had flown before the boys were born, but this experience was unlike any flight we've ever been on. Everyone was so excited to be there. You could really feel how meaningful the experience was for everyone." 

The families boarded an Air Canada Express Embraer 175 and settled in for what they expected to be a short hop around Pearson Airport. Shortly after takeoff, passengers were pleasantly surprised to learn they would be flying to Windsor, orbiting over Lake Huron, before returning to Toronto. When the plane cleared the cloud deck and broke into a brilliant blue sky, it was a treat, especially for those families and their children who had not flown before. Families pressed their faces against the windows as the aircraft cruised above the clouds. Afterwards, many children felt so comfortable with the ride that they fell asleep.

The flight concluded with a low fly-past over downtown Toronto before returning to Pearson. When the plane landed, there was a strong sense of celebration.

“It was amazing. I've never seen my child calm like that,” says Ria Liu, describing the reaction of her son Isaac, who is autistic, “We really enjoyed the views.” Before, when they had flown, they had found the process of security screening very stressful. “Today was very easy. It was a breeze for the whole family, it was spectacular.” She calls it “an unforgettable experience.”

“We were not even prepared for how it went,” says Iryna.   “Everyone was so excited. Our son was a little bit anxious, but as it went on, he saw the clouds. It was absolutely the greatest day.” 

For Derek, the event provided something even more valuable: confidence. "Before this, we weren't sure how our boys would react to flying. Having the opportunity to experience the entire airport process and take a short flight made all the difference. It gave us the confidence to know that a family vacation by air is something we can do."

Connor and Dylan both enjoyed the experience. "I saw we were on top of the clouds," Dylan said.