You are viewing 1 of your 2 free articles
My experiences of travelling with a hidden disability
TProfile’s chief sales officer Bhav Taylor says there is still work to be done to ensure all passengers are treated with dignity and respect
For someone who was previously fit and healthy, it came as a real shock when I suddenly became seriously ill and had to be admitted to hospital in an emergency.
After several tests and scans, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis – a life-changing diagnosis that initially left me terrified.
The consultant explained that they would attempt to treat the condition with medication, but if there was no improvement within 48 hours, they would have to operate and remove my bowel, leaving me with a stoma bag. Thankfully, the medication worked, and I was spared the surgery.
The following month, we had already planned to fly. Naturally, I was anxious about navigating the airport, standing in long queues, and worrying about access to bathroom facilities.
However, after joining Crohn’s and Colitis UK, a charity for those with digestive conditions, I learned there were various support systems in place, especially for travel.
One of the best resources I discovered was the sunflower lanyard scheme, which identifies people with hidden disabilities.
Through this, I was granted access to fast-track services at UK airports and airlines, allowing for a more comfortable and manageable journey.
Additionally, UK airlines were incredibly supportive, offering to pre-assign seats at no extra charge, which made my experience much smoother.
Now, six years later, my condition is under control, but my travel anxiety remains. As a frequent long-haul traveller, I’ve noticed that the understanding and accommodations for people with hidden disabilities vary widely across different airports and airlines.
For example, during a layover in Dubai airport, I was immediately directed to the fast-track line as soon as the staff saw my sunflower lanyard. The airport’s efficiency and the staff’s understanding were a relief.
However, my experience with Emirates was a bit more frustrating. While they did provide assistance, their special assistance service required me to request wheelchair assistance to receive a pre-assigned seat.
Since I didn’t need a wheelchair, I didn’t want to take advantage of that service, so I waited and was able to get an aisle seat later on.
I found it surprising that while Dubai airport seemed well-versed in handling such situations, Emirates had a less flexible approach.
In contrast, my experience flying with Eva Air in 2023 was much smoother. Although they didn’t initially understand my condition, they were very supportive once I provided the required medical documentation.
This highlights how different airlines can be in terms of their awareness and support for people with hidden disabilities.
Another issue I’ve encountered is the misuse of the sunflower lanyard by people who do not genuinely require it.
The lanyard has become a valuable tool for people with hidden disabilities, but some individuals have taken advantage of it to gain access to fast-track services without needing the assistance.
In response to this, my local airport, Birmingham, has implemented a new policy to prevent abuse.
Now, passengers wishing to use the sunflower lanyard must present relevant paperwork to verify their condition at the special assistance desk.
Only then will they be issued a tag, which must be attached to the lanyard, ensuring that only those who truly require fast-track assistance are able to use it.
This policy, introduced in August 2024, has significantly improved the experience for those who rely on this support.
On my recent trips through Birmingham airport, I followed this process and had a seamless journey.
I also observed some passengers being turned away because they didn’t have the required paperwork or tag, which made it clear that the airport is committed to ensuring fair access for those who genuinely need it.
The reason I am sharing my experiences is simple: people with both visible and hidden disabilities sometimes need additional assistance while travelling.
However, the level of support required can vary greatly depending on the individual’s condition.
We need more airports and airlines to recognise these varying needs and ensure they offer tailored assistance, so that resources aren’t wasted, and passengers are treated with the care they deserve.
Moreover, it is crucial to stamp out the abuse of the sunflower lanyard. This tool should remain a vital resource for those with genuine needs, and airports and airlines should continue to ensure it is used appropriately.
As someone who has navigated travel with a hidden disability, I know how crucial it is to have understanding and accessible support at every stage of the journey.
It’s encouraging to see some progress being made, but there is still work to be done to ensure that all passengers, regardless of their condition, are treated with dignity and respect while travelling.
Jacobs Media is a company registered in England and Wales, company number 08713328. 3rd Floor, 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU
© 2025 Jacobs Media
