Aer Lingus Announces Membership of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

Aer Lingus is proud to announce its membership of the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a discreet symbol that people with hidden disabilities can wear to show that they may need extra support, patience or understanding as they travel.

Aer Lingus’ membership in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program aims to provide greater assurance to customers with non-visible disabilities during their travels. The airline’s customer-facing teams will receive ongoing training to enhance their ability to assist individuals wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. This assistance might include offering support, extra time, showing patience, or simply giving a reassuring nod.

Across Ireland, 1 in 5 people live with some form of disability*. Of these, 80% – or approximately 880,000 people – live with non-visible disabilities. By wearing a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, these people can subtly indicate to Aer Lingus staff that they may need additional support. Over 285 airports globally are also part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.

Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, said: “At Aer Lingus, we’re committed to connecting people, places and possibilities and our goal is to ensure that all Aer Lingus customers enjoy a seamless travel experience. By joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, we aim to ensure that all our customers, including those with non-visible disabilities, feel recognised and supported throughout their journey with us.”

Ruth Rabét, Global Business Director Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said: “We are delighted to welcome Aer Lingus to the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Ensuring an inclusive experience for passengers sits centrally to Aer Lingus operations. The Sunflower provides the staff with a visual cue that the wearer has a non-visible disability and signals that they may require an offer of support, extra time and understanding. The Sunflower enhances accessibility and contributes to a positive passenger journey”.

Andrew Elliott, age 11, a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard wearer, and his family also welcomed the partnership between Aer Lingus and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Andrew, from Co Louth, is autistic and is one of thousands of children supported by Variety, the Children’s Charity of Ireland, each year. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower partner exclusively with Variety Ireland, as both groups support children living in Ireland across the disability spectrum.

Ruth Elliott, Andrew’s mum, said: “We’re delighted that Aer Lingus now recognises the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower as it gives us peace of mind when flying. Autism is a hidden disability and wearing the lanyard makes it visible, making it easier for other people to understand that Andrew may need more time or patience. We fly regularly and using the lanyard makes it easier for us to navigate our journey as a family”.

* Health, Disability, Caring and Volunteering Census of Population 2022 – Summary Results – Central Statistics Office