Air Travel with Tourette Syndrome

Webinar Recording: Traveling with Tourette Syndrome + Other Tic Disorders

Frequently Asked Questions

Before heading to the airport, if you want to inform airport/airline employees that you have TS or are traveling with someone who has TS, who do you go to?

Contact the airline before your travel to arrange your preferred seating and advise the airline carrier that you have TS, if you are comfortable with disclosing.
Contact TSA Cares to speak with a passenger support specialist who can assist you with security, priority boarding, and alerting flight crew/stewards that you have TS.

What would you recommend to help manage stress/anxiety while navigating the airport and through TSA security?

Take a trip to the airport before your travel and familiarize yourself with the surroundings.
Avoid high travel days/times.
Inform TSA staff you have TS, which can help you go to the front of the security line and/or be escorted to your flight gate.
Some helpful ideas:
- Use headphones to listen to music, chew gum, read a book, use a fidget toy, plan out your travel day ahead of time.
- Show your “I have TS” ID card to relevant airport personnel/flight crew.

Pre-boarding: Anything I can do to ensure a smooth boarding experience?

Allow extra time to get to your gate at the airport.
Ask TSA staff for assistance getting to your gate.
Inform the gate agents that you have TS and request to board sooner so you have extra time to settle into your seat. You can also ask them to alert the flight crew.

In-flight experience: What would you recommend to help manage stress/anxiety during the in-flight experience?

Utilize strategies you know are already helpful to you.
Some strategies to reduce stress/anxiety:
- Use noise cancelling headphones, listen to music, chew gum, read a book, alert those seated next to you that you have TS (if you are comfortable doing so).

Any tips on communicating/disclosing with fellow passengers and/or flight attendants?

It is your choice to disclose with others. If you would like to let those around you know you or your family member has TS, use the conversation as an educational opportunity.

In terms of overall experience, how can I submit complaints and/or feedback to airlines?

You can submit comments/concerns on each carrier’s website, on TSA.gov, or by speaking with a manager when you arrive at your destination.

If sensory issues are a concern (loud noises, being touched, etc.) how do you get through travel checkpoints without becoming overstimulated?

Noise cancelling headphone and alerting TSA staff that you have TS during security checks can be helpful. Let TSA agents know that you may engage in involuntary movements.

Resources

TSA Cares Programs
- TSA Cares Passenger Assistance: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/passenger-support
- More information on how to request TSA Cares Assistance: https://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares
Download/Print your own “I Have TS” ID card: https://tourette.org/about-tourette/overview/living-tourette-syndrome/print-ts-card
U.S. Department of Transportation Resources: https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program: https://hdsunflower.com/

TSA Cares Contact Information

TSA Cares	855-787-2227
Air Canada	888-247-2262
Alaska Airlines	800-503-0101
American Airlines	800-237-7376
Delta Airlines	404-209-3434
Frontier Airlines	801-401-9004
JetBlue Airlines	800-538-2583
Southwest Airlines	800-435-9792
Spirit Airlines	877-728-3555

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