Mom Shares Game-Changing TSA Tip For Parents of Kids With Special Needs at the Airport

Updated on 4/8/2018 at 1:10 PM

Angie Solis

After a stress-free trip through airport security with her son with autism, Angie Solis is sharing a game-changing tip for other parents of kids with special needs heading to the airport: a few days before your trip, call up TSA Cares so you can organize your own stress-free airport experience.

Because of her interaction with a TSA worker named Alesea, who not only helped her son Zion through security, but also helped to curb Angie's anxiety about flying with her 13 year old for the first time, the mom and blogger has been bragging openly about her "new BFF," the TSA — a nickname which will likely come as a surprise to most people who have dealt with the agency before.

"Dear TSA, You are my sunshine," Angie started her now viral post to Facebook. "I called you on Thursday morning in a worried frenzy. I was overly anxious and driving myself nuts about flying with my son for the first time . . . I was worried about airport security and how his anxiety would create a giant meltdown. But you made it flawless. When we walked through your doorway at 5 a.m., there were people everywhere. Hundreds upon hundreds of people waiting to pass security and get on with their Spring break. Fear struck me. Hard. My heartbeat quickened. I started to breathe faster. I looked over at my son and smiled, trying not to show my fear. He pointed at the long line and said, 'No thank you.' And before I could even take another calming breath, Alesea appeared."

It's possible the mom's worst nightmare about her son having a meltdown amid hundreds of other people could have happened had it not been for the passenger support specialist.

She spoke directly to my son. She treated him like a person with feelings and a voice and worth. With her super powers she lifted a divider, motioned us through, and escorted us to the front of the line. We went through a gentle security check where no one put their hands on us or even said much. We didn't even have to remove our shoes. Alesea escorted us to our gate, saving us from panic . . . because our flight was not listed on the reader board. Total time from the moment we walked in the front door to being seated at the gate: 14 minutes. Thank you TSA, from the bottom of my heart, for making this experience stress-free. And for caring enough to understand that some people just process differently and need extra TLC . . .

P.S. If you are traveling with a person with special needs, call TSA Cares. Dial 855-787-2227 three days before your departure. They will arrange a stress-free security check for you.