Air travel can be tiring and stressful when you are living with aspergillosis or another long-term health condition. Breathlessness, fatigue, anxiety, pain or the need for extra time may not be obvious to other people.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a voluntary scheme that lets you discreetly indicate that you may need a little more time, patience or support. You can choose to wear a sunflower lanyard, badge or card when it feels helpful.
How can a Sunflower lanyard help?
At participating airports, transport providers and other venues, trained staff may recognise the Sunflower and offer understanding or assistance. It can be particularly helpful if you find queues, busy environments or explaining your needs difficult.
For example, Manchester Airport recognises the Sunflower and explains the support available for passengers with non-visible disabilities.
Important: it does not guarantee assistance
A Sunflower lanyard is a helpful signal, but it does not automatically provide special assistance, priority boarding or fast-track security. Support varies between airports, airlines and countries.
If you need help getting through the airport, walking longer distances, carrying equipment or boarding the aircraft, contact your airline or travel provider in advance and request the assistance you need. Do not rely on a lanyard alone.
Before you travel
- Check whether your departure and arrival airports recognise the Sunflower scheme.
- Arrange airport assistance in advance if you need it.
- Keep essential medicines in your hand luggage, in their original labelled packaging.
- Carry a current medication list and, if helpful, a brief letter or clinic summary.
- Make sure your travel insurance covers your pre-existing health conditions.
- Discuss travel with your clinical team if you have recently been unwell, are having treatment changes, or are unsure whether flying is suitable for you.
Further information
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website lists participating airports and airlines. Always check the accessibility information for your own journey before travelling.
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