Invisible Disabilities

Invisible Disabilities at Manchester Airport

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

If this applies to you or someone you're travelling with, we can offer you a special lanyard to wear on your journey through our airport. This will identify you to staff as someone who may need additional support or understanding. Our staff have been specially trained to recognise the lanyards and act accordingly. Please note this lanyard permits access to our family and priority lanes at security as well as the use of our assistance lanes at the UK Border on arrival into Manchester Airport.

To pick up a lanyard at Manchester, please go to one of our Assistance Reception areas. These are available within our Check-in halls in Terminal 1 A and B, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. We will be happy to give you a lanyard, even if you haven't requested or need assisted travel. 

Please note, due to high demand, we are unable to post a lanyard to your home address in any circumstance. Please collect a lanyard from our assistance desk in the departure hall on your day of travel.

The Sunflower Room

The Sunflower Room in Terminal 1 is to aid Assisted Travel 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 Assisted Travel Service.

Diabetes

All departing passengers must complete security screening prior to entering the departures area.

The technology used in this area may not be compatible with medical equipment used in the management of diabetes including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors.

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

All Manchester Airport Security Officers receive appropriate training to ensure all customers with diabetes are treated sensitively and in line with Aviation Security protocols.

To help you during your trip, you can download and print a Medical Device Awareness card which is fully backed by the Civil Aviation Authority and recognised by Manchester Airport staff. This card offers an alternative to using a Sunflower Lanyard, if preferred.

Download the Medical Device Awareness Card here.