Pensacola Airport’s 'Wings for All' Mock Flights Help Neurodivergent Travelers Overcome Flight Anxiety

Pensacola International Airport hosted a mock-flight event called Wings for All on Feb. 24 to give neurodivergent people a chance to practice air travel in a calm, supportive setting. The program — produced with Delta Airlines and The Arc Gateway — recreated the full passenger experience so participants could learn each step without the stress of a real trip.

What the Event Included

Dozens of attendees moved through simulated airport stations: ticketing and boarding-pass collection, TSA-style screening, gate-finding, boarding procedures and even a taxi simulation that allowed participants to feel how an aircraft moves on the runway. Local outlets FOX 10 and ABC affiliate WEAR News 3 covered the event.

Partners and Purpose

The event was a collaboration between Pensacola International Airport, Delta Airlines and The Arc Gateway, an organization that provides programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc Gateway has run similar accessibility exercises in the past, such as Wings for Autism, and has recently broadened the concept to welcome a wider range of neurodivergent participants.

Delta Captain Dan Kudrna said the simulated experience can reduce anxiety and make travel more attainable for people and their families: 'If we can reduce some of that anxiety and make it more comfortable for them by simulating the experience today, maybe it makes it easier on them and their family and the other traveling folks when they do go.'

Participants' Reactions

Attendees praised the chance to acclimate at a manageable pace. Stephanie Johnson attended with her 14-year-old granddaughter, Paisley, who Johnson said would not have been able to jump straight into a real flight; the simulation helped them both understand what to expect. Another participant, Aila Trawick, described the day as life-changing — she hopes to take her first real flight to New York City and later pursue a career in space exploration.

According to local coverage, this was the first Wings for All session held in Pensacola; Delta runs similar programs around the country. The airport plans to continue working with The Arc Gateway to offer Wings for All as an annual opportunity.

Why It Matters

Mock-flight programs like Wings for All lower barriers to travel by providing practical experience, reducing sensory surprises, and building confidence for neurodivergent people and their families. That makes leisure, education and work travel more accessible and inclusive.