Flying through Dublin Airport with a child who needs extra support can feel overwhelming, but special assistance at Dublin Airport can make a huge difference.
Whether your child is autistic, has mobility needs, anxiety or a hidden disability, Dublin Airport offers assistance designed to make navigating the airport and boarding your flight easier.
Here’s what you need to know about booking and using special assistance at Dublin Airport.
If you’re planning a wider trip around Ireland, my guide to Ireland with autistic children covers practical information for families, while my Dublin with autistic children guide can help you plan your time in the city.
Quick Wins For Using Special Assistance at Dublin Airport
- Book special assistance through your airline or travel provider at least 48 hours before your flight.
- Tell the airline exactly what support you or your child needs rather than simply requesting general assistance.
- Use the assistance points at Dublin Airport to let the special assistance team know you have arrived.
- Remember that autistic passengers and people with hidden disabilities can use special assistance; it is not only for wheelchair users.
- Consider using a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard to discreetly indicate that you or your child may need extra time, patience or understanding.
- Download the PRM Assist app before travelling if you plan to use it to help manage your assistance journey.
- Ask about pre-boarding if crowded queues are difficult, but remember that boarding last may work better for autistic passengers who struggle with waiting on the aircraft.
- Read my guide to disabled facilities at Dublin Airport before travelling so you know what other accessible services are available.
- Bring familiar regulation items such as headphones, snacks, comfort items and devices.
What is Special Assistance at Dublin Airport?
Special assistance is a free service available to passengers who need extra help when travelling through the airport.
Passengers who require assistance when flying are often referred to as PRMs, or Persons with Reduced Mobility. My guide explaining what PRM means covers who is included within this term and why it applies to a much wider group of travellers than wheelchair users.
PRM can include passengers with:
- Hidden disabilities, including autism and ADHD
- Mobility difficulties
- Medical needs
- Sensory challenges
- Other disabilities or additional support needs
If you are new to accessible air travel, you may also find my guide to getting help at the airport as a disabled person useful. It explains the different types of support available and what to expect throughout your journey.
At Dublin Airport, special assistance can support passengers from their arrival at the airport through to boarding the aircraft. Special assistance is also a free service available to passengers who need extra help when travelling through the airport.
How to Book Special Assistance at Dublin Airport
The most important thing to remember is that you should book special assistance in advance.
You should request assistance through your airline or travel provider when booking your flight or at least 48 hours before departure. Booking in advance gives the airline and airport assistance team time to prepare for your arrival and arrange the support you need. You can also use the PRM assist app to make special assistance service requests.
If you don’t pre-book, you can still request help when you arrive at Dublin Airport. However, you may have to wait longer for assistance to become available.
When booking assistance, you may come across different airline and airport disability codes. These codes are used to communicate the type of assistance a passenger requires between airlines, airports and assistance providers.
Autistic passengers may come across the DPNA code in particular. My guide explaining what the DPNA code is covers what it means, when it may be added to a booking and how it is used when travelling by air.
Using The PRM Assist App
Another resource worth knowing about is the PRM Assist app, which I mentioned breifly above. PRM Assist is designed to help disabled passengers request and manage assistance when travelling.
My guide to using the PRM Assist app explains how the app works, where it can be used and whether it could be useful when planning your airport journey.
Arriving at Dublin Airport
When you arrive at Dublin Airport, head to one of the special assistance desks or designated help points.
There are assistance points located around both terminals where passengers can request help or let the assistance team know that they have arrived.
The support you receive will depend on your individual needs. This could include help navigating the airport, getting through security or reaching your departure gate.
Don’t be afraid to explain exactly what support you or your child needs. Different disabilities require different types of assistance, and being specific can help staff provide the most appropriate support.
Drop Off for Disabled Passengers at Dublin Airport
There is a drop off zone on the departure road at Terminal 1 and the OCS (the company who provides the special assistance services) desk is located just inside the last door, on the left.
There is a drop off/collection zone at Terminal 2. The OCS desk is located beside the Aer Lingus check-in area.
Going Through Security With Special Assistance
Security can be one of the most difficult parts of travelling through an airport, particularly for autistic passengers and those who struggle with crowds, queues or unfamiliar procedures.
Passengers using special assistance may be supported through the security process and directed to an appropriate security lane.
If you or your child struggles with waiting, sensory environments or understanding instructions, explain this to the assistance team.
It can also help to prepare your child for airport security before travelling by explaining what will happen, including removing certain items from bags and walking through the security scanner.
Support Inside Dublin Airport
Once you are through security, the type of support available will depend on your individual needs.
Special assistance staff may be able to:
- Help you navigate the airport
- Escort you to your departure gate
- Provide mobility assistance
- Support you during the boarding process
- Arrange assistance when boarding the aircraft
If your child struggles with waiting at busy departure gates, speak to staff about the best way to manage the time before boarding.
You may prefer to wait somewhere quieter before returning to the gate, depending on the support your child needs. To learn more about the special assistance services at Dublin Airport you can read up on everything they have on their passenger special assistance webpage.
Special assistance is only one part of making your journey through the airport more accessible.
My complete guide to disabled facilities at Dublin Airport covers other services and facilities available throughout the terminals, including accessible toilets, sensory facilities and support for passengers with hidden disabilities.
Hidden Disabilities at Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport recognises that not all disabilities are visible.
Passengers with hidden disabilities, including autism, can request additional support when travelling through the airport. Dublin Airport also participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme.
Wearing a Sunflower Lanyard can discreetly indicate to airport staff that you or your child may need additional time, patience or understanding.
However, it is important to remember that the Sunflower Lanyard is not the same as booking special assistance.
If you need specific support when travelling through the airport, you should still arrange special assistance through your airline before travelling.
Boarding the Aircraft
Special assistance can continue until you have boarded the aircraft. Depending on your needs and the arrangements made by your airline, you may be offered priority or pre-boarding.
For some autistic passengers, boarding the aircraft before the main group of passengers can provide extra time to find their seat, organise belongings and become familiar with the environment.
However, pre-boarding isn’t always the best option for every autistic traveller and you should discuss this with the airline when making your special assistance booking.
Some children find spending additional time sitting on the aircraft more difficult and may prefer to board towards the end of the boarding process.
What to Expect When Using Special Assistance at Dublin Airport
The experience of using special assistance can vary depending on how busy the airport is, the assistance required and the individual staff members supporting you. Booking assistance in advance and clearly explaining your needs can help the process run more smoothly.
Remember that special assistance is not limited to passengers who use wheelchairs or have physical disabilities. Autistic passengers and those with hidden disabilities may also be entitled to support when travelling through the airport.
Top Tips for Using Special Assistance at Dublin Airport
- Book special assistance at least 48 hours before your flight
- Request assistance through your airline or travel provider
- Explain exactly what support you or your child needs
- Arrive at the airport with plenty of time
- Use the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard if it is helpful for your family
- Ask about pre-boarding if waiting in crowded boarding areas is difficult
- Remember that boarding last may work better for some autistic travellers
- Bring familiar sensory and regulation items, including headphones, snacks and comfort items
- Prepare your child for airport security before travelling
Using special assistance at Dublin Airport can make navigating the airport easier for disabled passengers and families travelling with autistic children.
The most important thing is to arrange assistance in advance and clearly explain the support you need.
Every autistic traveller is different, so there is no single airport routine that will work for every family. Some children benefit from moving through the airport quickly and boarding the aircraft early, while others need regular breaks and as little time as possible sitting on the plane.
By planning ahead, familiarising yourself with Dublin Airport and arranging the appropriate assistance, you can make the airport experience more predictable and manageable for your family.
Continue planning your trip using my guide to visiting Ireland with autistic children.
Continue Planning Your Europe Travel Itinerary With Children
- Start with planning your overall Europe family trip, including flights, transport, pacing and choosing destinations that suit your child’s needs
- Looking for an easier first-time Europe destination? Consider visiting Denmark with kids for organised cities, reliable transport and family-friendly attractions
- Prefer beaches and slower-paced travel? Find out more about Greece with children for island stays, outdoor dining and flexible family days out
- Planning big city adventures? Discover what to expect in Paris with autistic children, including transport, attractions and sensory considerations
- Want scenic train journeys and nature? Learn more about Switzerland with autistic children for mountain views, calm towns and predictable travel routines
Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Travels Using My Guides
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