23 hours Ago
For many children, flying can be scary, but one Massachusetts-based program is helping to ease that fear. Think of it like a trial run, so when the time comes, these families are all set to jet. They go through the entire flying process — checking in, going through security, waiting at the gate, and finally, boarding the plane.
The only difference is this plane doesn’t actually take off. For families, it’s an invaluable opportunity and practice makes perfect. “Well, my youngest daughter is autistic, and we are planning a trip to California soon, hopefully, so we wanted to see her reaction and how she behaves.
So far, it’s been a wonderful experience. I’m so glad they do this type of thing for kids,” parent Mariana Palomar said. Participation in this event hit a record with more than 1,000 people signing up.
The program is a partnership between Massport and the Charles River Center and the planes were provided by JetBlue, United and Japan Airlines. “We have kids that come back every single year, and maybe the first time they only get through one step of the process and next time they get to the next step, and they have progress and be able to get on the aircraft and experience it and that’s just so heartwarming to see,” Logan Airport customer service deputy director Mia Healey Waldron said. Now in its 14th year, the program has hosted more than 11,000 children and their families both at Logan and at Worcester Regional Airport.
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