The travel offcials have urged people to not risk stress and ask for help where needed
Before you head to the airport, you may want to get a lanyard if you need extra help(Image: Getty)
A UK airport has issued guidance for passengers set to travel very soon in a bid to help make the process less stressful.
Ahead of the busy summer travel season, officials at Manchester Airport have reminded passengers that those with non-visible disabilities can wear the Sunflower lanyard if they prefer not to disclose their condition or use the airport’s assistance service. The lanyard discreetly signals to staff that the wearer may need extra time, patience, or understanding while travelling through the airport.
Manchester Airport explains: “The Sunflower lanyard now offers access to all lanes at departure security, in addition to our Family and Assisted Travel lane.
“All channels at departure security offer next-generation security screening, offering a quicker, quieter and more customer-friendly process for all passengers. Security colleagues have hidden disability awareness training and will assist you with any questions that you may have while passing through the security process.”
If you’d like to pick up a lanyard at Manchester, you can collect one from the Assistance Reception areas in the Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 check-in halls on the day of your travel.
It says: “We will be happy to provide you with a lanyard, even if you feel you don’t need or haven’t booked assisted travel in advance. If you have a Sunflower lanyard already, you can use it if you wish. We are sorry, lanyards cannot be posted to you ahead of travel.”
What is the sunflower lanyard?
According to Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: “Some disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are not immediately obvious to others. For some people, this can make it hard to understand and believe that someone, with a “non-visible” condition genuinely needs support.
“Some people question whether you have a disability because you don’t look ‘like you have a disability’.
“That is why we created the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower – to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding. It is a simple tool for you to share that you have a hidden disability voluntarily.
“Simply by wearing the Sunflower, you’re just letting everyone know that you might need extra help, understanding, or just more time.”
The Sunflower has been launched across Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, the UAE, and the USA. Find out where it is known near you using the Sunflower map.