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MEM Hosts Travel Experience for Children and Families with Special Needs

Flying Together event

Flying Together eventMEMPHIS, Tenn. (April 26, 2025) – A few weeks before the official start of the summer travel season, Memphis International Airport partnered with Autism Resources of the Mid-South (ARMS), HMS Host, TSA, Delta Air Lines, and countless volunteers to host Flying Together, an event specifically designed to support children with special needs and their families. The inaugural event allowed more than 100 participants to rehearse the air travel experience from start to finish. The participants practiced entering the airport, getting boarding passes, going through security, and boarding a Delta Air Lines plane with the airline’s gate agents and flight crew. The mock travel experience allowed families to practice navigating the airport and empower families to enjoy the experience of travel. The event also provided training and awareness for MEM’s staff and partners, improving their ability to assist travelers with special needs.

“We are privileged to collaborate with our partners to host this unique opportunity for families and children with special needs such as autism and other disabilities to familiarize themselves with the airport environment. This inaugural event perfectly aligns with our commitment and mission to make travel through our airport inclusive, accessible, and positively MEMorable for all passengers,” said Terry Blue, President and CEO of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.

ACCESSIBILITY TOOLS