Behind the scenes at YYC Navigators

Summary: Read about how we’re making the wonder of flight special for all our guests.

Twice each year, The Calgary Airport Authority and Air Canada team up to deliver YYC Navigators, a program that gives families with children on the autism spectrum an opportunity to prepare for flight.

On flight 7071 with service from Calgary to Calgary departing October 26, YYC Navigators took 84 guests through the real process: real boarding passes, real screening and a real plane. Since Navigators started in 2015 over 160 families have participated in the program.

Checking in

The journey starts at Check-In. Participants register with Team YYC volunteers then make their way to a special YYC Navigators kiosk at Air Canada Domestic Check-In. Some wait patiently in line, silently considering their surroundings while others are more agitated. The Pre-Board Pals hang around, ready to help calm distressed guests. After they have checked in with the proper ID and received their boarding passes, they head to Pre-Board Screening C.

Going through security

Next, the family will go through screening. A stressful time for most passengers, but especially many of these special guests. Letting go of treasured stuffed animals, tablets, headphones and other grounding items can be very distressing for those on the autism spectrum. YYC Navigators gives families the opportunity to see what it feels like to be in a queue of anxious travellers, without the threat of a missed flight looming.

Getting to the gate

After successfully getting through security—a great victory for some—the participants head to the gate. With volunteers set-up along the way, families get a little more direction then they might on their real travel day. At the gate, HMSHost awaits with treats and beverages. Families now kill time as they wait for boarding to begin.

Now boarding

Boarding begins for flight 7071 service to Calgary. Those requiring special assistance are invited to board first. For some, this is extremely exciting, for others, the unknown behind the sliding door is terrifying. 

Please remain seated

Once on board, participants, must sit buckled and wait patiently for the safety announcement. Our autism specialists are present to assist families struggling to maintain calm and offer coaching where they could. For the most part, families were left to try and navigate the situation as if it were the real deal. With a short flight of about 15 minutes, the flight attendants cross check and prepare to “land” in Calgary.

On this special flight, passengers are invited to check out the flight deck as they disembark. Buttons, switches, and levers fascinated the future aviation enthusiasts.

Not-so customary Customs

Finally, the participants exit the secure area to see the real Canada Border Services Agents, at the not-so-real Customs checkpoint. After getting their passport stamped, they receive a Navigators teddy bear as a souvenir and head on their way—ready for take-off.

Thank you to the members of Team YYC who helped make this event possible: Air Canada, HMSHost, White Hat Volunteers, YYC Crew, and CBSA. YYC Navigators will be expanded to welcome anyone who can benefit from this familiarization program.

Look for future opportunities to volunteer with YYC Navigators at TeamYYC.com