Hidden Disabilities

Manchester

Manchester Airport are working on ways to identify how they can improve the airport experience for their vulnerable passengers who may not want to share details of their invisible disabilities or use the airport special assistance service.

They can now offer you a sunflower lanyard to wear on your journey through the airport

This will identify you to staff as someone who may need additional support or understanding

Staff have been specially trained to recognise the lanyards.

;** Please note this lanyard permits access to the family and priority lanes at security as well as the use of their special assistance lanes at the UK Border (passport control) on arrival into Manchester Airport, this helps to avoid the sometimes long queues.

To pick up a lanyard at Manchester, please go to one of the Assistance Reception areas. These are available in the Check-in halls of Terminal 1 A and B, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

They will be happy to give you a lanyard – you do not need to book the special assistance for wheelchair users – unless you do require a wheelchair of course – otherwise you would just collect your lanyard at any of the above assistance desks.

** Please note Manchester airport are unable to post a lanyard to your home address in any circumstance. Please collect a lanyard from their assistance desks on your day of travel or in advance.

Testimonial:

"The Lanyard initiative is fantastic – we have used this each time we fly and travel often – the assistance desk staff are great and happily provided us with a lanyard – no issues awkward questions at all – we went to drop off our bags and was ushered to a free desk and didn’t queue at all – we then headed over to security and was sent down the assistance lane, there was a queue of those needing assistance but it was ½ the length of the regular queue. We took out our DVD players and numerous electronics for the trip and popped them all in the trays and my husband went through, he got stopped and searched so I had my son go through and wait for me and then I went through – my son did beep so was searched – I get this and was happy the airport are still vigilant! I explained why he was being searched and the security man did wait while I explained, so it doesn’t stop security doing their job which is as it should be but getting to security was a doddle! – all done we went through to the lounges. Boarding- airline staff were great and asked if he’d like to go first or last – we went first and got settled in. Really have to say this Lanyard is a fantastic help! Thank you Manchester Airport"!

The sunflower room – Manchester

The Sunflower Room in Terminal 1 is to aid Special Assistance Guests who need to break away from the noise, bright lights and crowds of the main Departure Lounge to help them relax and feel calm in a quieter environment.

Guests who require use of the room will be guided here as part of the Special Assistance Service or just ask a staff member where to find it.

Liverpool

If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, travelling through an airport can be an overwhelming experience.

We have provided a guide showing you what to expect when at the airport.

Click here to download the Guide to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Before you travel

Printing off and talking about the sort of things you may experience at Liverpool John Lennon Airport using the guide may help to prepare for the journey if you haven't flown through the airport before.

You may wish to visit the airport before your travel date so that new surroundings are familiar on the day.  All car parks, check in and arrival meeting areas can be accessed at any time. Departure lounge visits may be available on request and can be arranged by emailing us atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pre-book assistance

When you book your flights or holiday please tell your airline or travel agent if you or anyone in your travelling party has a hidden disability. This will help the on-board crew as well as agents at the check-in desks and departure gates understand your circumstances and they will be able to provide appropriate assistance, if required.

Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard and Butterfly Flyer

From May 2019 you can request a Sunflower Lanyard or a Butterfly Flyer

The Butterfly Flyer incorporates the Sunflower logo which is recognised UK wide as the symbol of hidden disabilities:

We are happy to be able to provide a Butterfly Flyer or Sunflower Lanyard to assist passengers through Security, either independently or with help from Assistance service partners.

If you would like a Butterfly Flyer or Sunflower Lanyard please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your flight number and date of departure. Please note that the voucher is not a fast track ticket through Security, but is designed to assist you through the process as smoothly as possible.