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Airports are busy environments and for some people this can be a stressful experience, especially if you or someone with you has a disability such as autism, dementia, or anxiety that isn’t immediately obvious to airport staff.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is one way to discreetly indicate to airport staff that you or someone that you are travelling with may need extra time, guidance or support.
Airport travel tip: Your first step is to contact your airline and make them aware of any specific assistance requirements that you may need. If wheelchair assistance is required, your airline is best placed to help you.
Prepare for your journey
Knowing what to expect can make travelling through an airport easier. Before you travel, you can notify your airline of your assistance needs and understand what services they can offer and use these Brisbane Airport's accessibility resources to prepare yourself with the terminal and airport processes:
- Accessibility Journey Planner
- Find accessible transport and parking
- Prepare for check-in and security
- If you don't already have a Sunflower lanyard, request to pick one up at Brisbane Airport
- Find familiar food choices on our dining directory and other useful facilities like free water stations or how to access the free Wi-Fi on our airport directory.
Collecting a sunflower lanyard at Brisbane Airport
If the hidden disabilities program sounds right for you, submit the form below and lanyards will be available for collection from the following locations:
- Domestic Terminal - Visitor Information Centre on Level 1 (located opposite Trader & Co Cafe), from 7am - 7pm, Monday - Friday and 10am - 4pm, Saturday - Sunday.
- International Terminal - Visitor Information Centre on Level 2 (located in the middle of the 'arrivals hall') from 5:30am - midnight, daily.
Airport staff
Brisbane Airport staff have been trained to recognise the sunflower lanyard and to provide you with any help you may need at that stage of your journey through the airport. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please approach a staff member for help and we can slow down the process, keep things quiet, offer assurance and be as accommodating as possible.
The lanyard does not provide a personal staff escort through the airport process. If you require this level of assistance or wheelchair assistance, your airline is best placed to help you. If you haven't already done so, be sure to contact your airline and make them aware of any assistance requirements that you may have.
Use the assistance lane at security screening
The lanyard does not give you priority access through Security or Passport Control. When entering the security area please use the assistance lane and you will be pointed to the shortest available lane. Where possible, you might be shown to the front of the queue – although we cannot guarantee this.
Visitors that require the use of noise-cancelling headphones as a disability aid are permitted to wear them during the screening process. When you arrive at the screening point, be ready to explain to the screening officer that your headphones are a disability aid and follow their instructions.
Sensory considerations at Brisbane Airport
Brisbane Airport can be noisy and busy. You may hear aircraft, announcements, alarms, luggage, cafés, cleaning equipment and other sounds throughout your journey. If you're sensitive to noise, you may find it helpful to bring noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs.
Lighting also varies throughout Brisbane Airport's terminals and some areas include bright lighting and digital advertising screens. If you're sensitive to light, consider bringing sunglasses, a cap or another support that works for you.
Request a Sunflower Lanyard
Privacy Collection Statement
Brisbane Airport Corporation Pty Ltd (BAC) will collect your personal information when you request a Sunflower Lanyard. Your personal information will be provided to our third party provider Southern Queensland Tourism who manage the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program on our behalf. Your personal information will be used to respond to your enquiry, and to request feedback on your experience. BAC is committed to protecting your privacy and will deal with your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Frequently asked questions about travelling with a Hidden Disability at Brisbane Airport
Can I re-use my Sunflower lanyard?
Yes, you can. Most transport hubs, shopping centres and global tourism locations recognise the sunflower lanyard.
Can I get help with my luggage?
The Sunflower lanyard does not provide guaranteed help with your luggage. If this is something that you specifically require help with, please contact your airline to see what additional assistance they are able to provide.
What if I need extra support?
If you have requirements beyond what the airline can provide, we recommend you look at specialised assistance services such as Medical Travel Companions.
Can I use this lanyard at other airports?
Yes, a number of Australian and International Airports recognise and support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Other Australian airports with the sunflower program include:
- Adelaide Airport
- Albury Airport
- Cairns Airport
- Gold Coast Airport
- Hobart Airport
- Launceston Airport
- Melbourne Airport
- Perth Airport
- Sydney Airport
Is there somewhere quieter I can go if I feel overwhelmed?
Some areas of Brisbane Airport are naturally quieter than others. At the Domestic Terminal, quieter areas can sometimes be found away from the main terminal activity, along the walkways towards the satellite departure gates.
Do you have any resources for children?
To support children that may need support to prepare for travel and their journey through the airport, Kookie's Guide to Travelling Overseas shows the steps needed to go through at the airport before take-off.
During school holiday travel periods our Therapy Dogs program is available across the Domestic and International Terminals on designated days. Check our what's on guide to check if the Therapy Dogs are on duty on your airport travel day.
Where can I learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program?
Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program here.