MEMPHIS, Tenn. – On Saturday, May 16, nearly 100 participants gathered at Memphis International Airport (MEM) for its 2nd Annual “Flying Together” event. The program was designed to alleviate stress and anxiety that individuals and families with special needs often experience when navigating air travel.

The free event provided a mock travel experience in a supportive environment. Participants navigated check-in counters, obtained boarding passes, passed through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint, boarded a Delta Air Line aircraft, and experienced a simulated flight briefing—all essential steps in the air travel process. Following the “flight,” attendees gathered for a celebration with lunch and gifts.

“Our Flying Together initiative is extremely gratifying and connects with our mission to make air travel inclusive and accessible for everyone,” said Terry Blue, President and CEO of Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority.” We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated volunteers and community partners for making this such a joyous and impactful day for our local community.”

In addition to empowering the attendees, the event served as a unique opportunity for airport personnel to observe, interact, and better understand how to accommodate the specific sensory and communication needs of travelers with special needs.

This successful local event was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of Delta Air Lines, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), HMS Host, Paradies Lagardere, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, City of Memphis – Office of Youth Services, Disability Connection Midsouth, Memphis Federation of the Blind, The ARC Mid-South, and Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing West.