Hidden Disabilities

For passengers travelling with a hidden disability, we understand that travelling through an airport can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, where additional support and understanding may be needed.

Birmingham Airport are proud to participate in the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme, where we can support passengers with a hidden disability by offering them a sunflower lanyard, which when worn, will discreetly let airport staff know that you may require additional support.

Passengers can collect a sunflower lanyard from the Assisted Travel Reception Area located between SPAR and Costa on the ground floor. For passengers who have their own sunflower lanyard who would like access to the Assisted Travel Lane through security, please ensure you visit the Assisted Travel Reception Area to collect a tag before proceeding to security.

Once registered, our Assisted Travel Team will discuss the level of assistance that’s required for your journey through the airport, ensuring your assistance needs are understood. The lanyard and tag should be visible to airport colleagues so that they can use their enhanced training to make the experience more comfortable or simply ask if there’s anything they can help you with.

Please note, the Sunflower Lanyard does not automatically guarantee passage through the Express Lane, and this is monitored by customer service teams each day.

The term ‘hidden disabilities’ covers a broad range of disabilities, conditions or diseases that may appear ‘invisible’, but the person may require extra support or be highly sensitive to the unusual airport environment. The Sunflower is regularly used by people with dementia, autism, ADHD, stomas and diabetes.

When wearing the Sunflower Lanyard you are encouraged to utilise the Assisted Travel Lane through security (Outbound flight) or immigration (Inbound flight). However, if you do not wish to use the Assisted Travel Lane, you do not have to.

At the boarding gate, airlines may invite you to board the aircraft first, however this decision is down to the airline and their ground handling agent.

We understand that an airport can be a very stressful environment with crowded areas, bright lighting, loud noises and strong smells. Due to this we do offer a World Duty Free bypass route just before the entrance to World Duty Free from the security area. You will need a member of staff to access this route. Please inform our Assisted Travel Team at the Assisted Travel Reception Area when you check-in for Assistance if you require the bypass service.

We have a designated room with open access for passengers which is a quiet space away from the main departure lounge.

The room contains two 3-seater sofas, a bean bag and a small selection of books to use whilst in the room.

The room is located after security, next to Gate 47 - which is a short 3 min walk from the Assisted Travel Reception Area North Departure Lounge. A flight information screen is located just a few metres from the room.

Please be advised that for safety and convenience, public announcements will sound in this room.