Invisible Disabilities

Invisible Disabilities at Manchester Airport

We are working to improve the airport journey for travellers who may not want to share details of their disabilities or use our assistance service.

If this applies to you or someone you're travelling with, we recognise the Sunflower lanyard, which you can wear on your journey through the airport. The Sunflower lanyard identifies the wearer as someone who may need understanding or extra time passing through the airport.

The Sunflower lanyard offers access to our Family and Assisted Travel Route at departure security as well as the use of the Assisted route at the UK Border on arrival into Manchester Airport.

To pick up a lanyard at Manchester, go to one of our Assistance Reception areas at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 check-in halls on the day of travel.

We will be happy to provide you with a lanyard, even if you feel you don’t need or haven’t booked assisted travel in advance.

If you have a Sunflower lanyard already, you can use it if you wish. We are sorry, lanyards cannot be posted to you ahead of travel.

Travelling with an Ostomy

If you have an Ostomy, security checks may seem daunting. Please be reassured that our security colleagues receive ostomy awareness training to guide you through the security process with dignity and care.

10 Useful Tips

1. Plan and prepare in advance of your trip.

2. Wrap clingfilm around liquid medication to prevent it from leaking into other belongings.

3. Pack enough stoma supplies – better to have too many than not enough. Medication and prescribed medical supplies are not limited, so you can take as much as you need in hand and checked in luggage.

4. You can carry scissors in your hand luggage with a blade length less than 6cm and with rounded ends.

5. Packing supplies within a clear plastic bag will make it easier for your supplies to be checked upon passing through security, if needed.

6. All passengers must pass through the body scanner, and your ostomy will need a secondary check. If you feel comfortable sharing information with us while passing through the process, please do, but only if you feel comfortable. We offer a private screening room to carry out any secondary checks. Just let us know your preference as you are passing through.

7. Wear loose clothing, remove belts and place these in the screening trays.

8. Carry prescription information for your trip so that you can access repeat supplies if you need to, but also to assist with the security checks.

9. There may be a wait at peak travel times at security – always be comfortable before entering the Security area. Accessible facilities are available throughout the terminal with Changing Places at key locations.

10. Pack spare clothes in your hand luggage.

More travel advice from Colostomy UK

Travelling with Diabetes

All departing passengers must complete security screening.

Useful Tips

1. If you use an insulin pump or wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), let us know before entering the body scanner. We can offer an alternative search process which will not interfere with the working of your devices

2. More information can be found here, provided by the JDRF diabetes charity.

Our Security colleagues receive training in line with Aviation Security protocols.

3. To help you during your trip, you can download and print a card, which is fully backed by the Civil Aviation Authority and recognised by Manchester Airport staff. This card offers an alternative or can be used in conjunction with a Sunflower Lanyard, if preferred.

Download the Medical Device Awareness Card here.