Travelling with a non-visible disability
Travelling with a non-visible disability
Support for passengers with non-visible disabilities
How to pass through the airport with a Sunflower Lanyard, wristband, or pin badge
Some travellers may not want to disclose their disabilities or use our assistance service, so our staff are trained to recognise visible accessories from the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme.
The Sunflower Lanyard and other wearables identify the wearer as someone who may need additional support or extra time when passing through the airport.
People wearing a Sunflower Lanyard can use all entry channels at departure security, in addition to our Family and Assistance lane. All channels at departure security offer next-generation security screening, providing a quicker, quieter, and more customer-friendly process for all passengers.
All Security Officers have received hidden disability awareness training and will assist you with any questions you may have while passing through security.
To collect a Sunflower Lanyard, please go to one of our Assistance Reception areas in the Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 check-in halls on the day of travel. check-in halls on the day of travel. We will be happy to provide you with a Sunflower Lanyard, even if you feel you don’t need or haven’t booked Assisted Travel in advance.
If you already have a Sunflower Lanyard or other wearable, you can use it if you wish.
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
- Plan and prepare in advance of your trip.
- Wrap clingfilm around liquid medication to prevent it from leaking into other belongings.
- 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 luggage.
- You can carry scissors in your hand luggage with blades less than 6 cm long and rounded ends.
- Packing supplies within a clear plastic bag will make it easier for your supplies to be checked when passing through security, if needed.
- 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 security, please do, but only if you wish to. We offer a private screening room to carry out any secondary checks. Just let us know your preference as you are passing through.
- Wear loose clothing, remove belts and place these in the screening trays.
- 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.
- There may be a wait at security during peak travel times – always be comfortable before entering the security area. Accessible facilities are available throughout the terminal, with Changing Places facilities at key locations.
- Pack spare clothes in your hand luggage.
Travelling with diabetes
All departing passengers must complete security screening.
Useful tips
- 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 that will not interfere with your devices' operation.
- More information can be found here, provided by the JDRF diabetes charity.Our security colleagues receive training in line with Aviation Security protocols.
- 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 can be used as an alternative or in conjunction with a Sunflower Lanyard, if preferred.
Download the medical device awareness card here.
Security
Advice on packing hand luggage and going through security.