An aircraft in flight followed by a colorful ribbon with a puzzle pattern.

ITA Airways Cares for autism: traveling by plane becomes easier

Getting to the airport, being in large and noisy spaces and boarding the plane may seem like simple things, but for autistic people they can be difficult moments.
In these cases, being aware and in control of the situation can make all the difference!



This initiative is part of a broader ENAC “Autism - Traveling through the Airport” project. In partnership with ANGSA (the Italian National Parents Association for People with Autism), ITA Airways is the first airline company to adhere to the program, which has the objective of helping people with autism serenely experience something unique like plane travel at every step of their journey.

ITA Airways offers its cabin simulator free of charge to persons with autism to experience the excitement of flying and become familiar with a new environment. Because flying is a wonderful experience, but it can be experienced as real discomfort if you’re not properly prepared.

What does 'familiarize yourself with the trip' mean?

  • To realistically experience the sensation of flying on the ITA Airways simulator, assisted by a real flight crew who will explain the take-off, cruise and landing operations
  • To get used to being on the plane, and to the cabin, the service and the announcements on board, as well as the noises.
  • To become familiar with the control and security procedures and boarding locations To arrive on the day of departure feeling calm and safe.

Useful things to know:
On the day of the simulation, the future passenger and any travel companions should bring:

  • A valid identification document (passport or identity card)
  • A cabin trolley
  • Reception, gate and in-flight welcoming and boarding procedures for familiarization will be conducted by qualified ITA Airways staff and sensitively adapted to autism issues by ANGSA.
  • During the flight simulation, a snack and a drink will be offered (any allergies or intolerances and/or food selectivity should be reported during registration)

To participate in the familiarization program, simply complete the online form at ​The link will be opened in a new browser tabwww.angsalazio.orgThe link will be opened in a new browser tab.

The first sessions on board the cabin simulator at the ITA Airways Training Center (ADR building) in Via Pier Paolo Racchetti in the technical area of Fiumicino airport (​find out how to reach the simulatorThe link will be opened in a new browser tab) will be held on the following days:

  • 28 May 2026 4:30 PM
  • 18 June 2026 4:30 P.M.
  • 16 July 2026 4:30 P.M.
  • 17  September 2026 4:30 P.M.

 At the end of the experience, each participant will be provided with a “READY TO FLY” certificate of familiarization

It’s time to go! On ITA Airways* operated flights only, a personalized service will be dedicated to individuals with autism and their companions to guide and accompany them through all stages of travel, from ticket purchase to the flight experience and baggage pick-up at their destination.

Travelers can enjoy the following services:

  • Dedicated number for ​Assistance
  • Priority check-in
  • Dedicated escort exclusively within the airport structure (only participating airports)
  • Free Fast Track (participating airports only)
  • Sala Amica (participating airports only)
  • Priority boarding
  • Dedicated seat in the front rows
  • Priority baggage claim

You can book the service - no later than 48 hours before the flight - by calling:

  • The Customer Information Assistance Office of ITA Airways (Assistance)
  • Your trusted travel agent with whom you made the booking

Passengers with autism spectrum syndrome who wish to travel alone must present a certificate drawn up by a specialist (neurologist, psychiatrist, neuro-psychiatry practitioner) attesting to their mental and physical suitability for travel to the Company. The certificate, produced on letterhead, signed and stamped must also be printed for checks that are necessary at airport contact points.

The airports that have joined the initiative: (table)

  • Bari airport - Palese Macchie (BRI)
  • Brindisi Airport - O. Perozzi (BDS)
  • Genoa airport - Cristoforo Colombo (GOA)
  • Bologna airport - Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ)
  • Naples airport - Capodichino (NAP)
  • Catania airport - Fontanarossa (CTA)
  • Venice airport - Marco Polo (VCE)
  • Trieste airport - Ronchi dei Legionari (TRS)
  • Turin airport - Torino Caselle (TRN)
  • Olbia airport - Costa Smeralda (OLB)
  • Alghero airport - Fertilia (AHO)
  • Palermo airport - Falcone e Borsellino (PMO)
  • Cagliari airport - Mario Mameli di Elmas (CAG)
  • Rome Fiumicino airport - Leonardo Da Vinci (FCO)
  • Milan airport - Malpensa (MXP)
  • Milan airport - Linate Enrico Forlanini (LIN)


In addition, you can also enjoy Fast Track in these airports:

  • Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport (AMS)
  • Athens International Airport (ATH)
  • Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)
  • Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
  • Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
  • Munich Airport (MUC)
  • New York Airport - John Fitzgerald Kennedy International (JFK)
  • London airport - Heathrow (LHR)
  • Malta International Airport (MLA)

​Download the illustrated brochure here to find out the airport locations and processes in advance so you can more calmly face your journey, from your arrival at the airport to boarding the plane.

*In the event of an itinerary that also includes other airlines, check the available services with the Customer Information Assistance Office

Additional information

No, that's not necessary. Familiarization is free, to participate simply fill out the online formThe link will be opened in a new browser tab.

Yes, when expressly requested via the ITA Airways Customer Information Assistance Office, autistic passengers are entitled (for themselves and for one travel companion only) to the free advance assignment of adjacent seats in the front rows.

Yes, all dedicated airport services are guaranteed for autistic passengers and any travel companions.

Yes, provided that the autistic passenger in need of assistance remains on board until disembarkation is completed, to facilitate recognition by an airport operator.

The airline undertakes to satisfy the request for priority or subsequent boarding, compatibly with its service obligations.

Related

Passengers with reduced mobility

The ITA Airways assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility All the necessary information here.

Find out all the information for passengers with reduced mobility