For those with disabilities like dyslexia and ADHD, TikTok “sickfluencers” are teaching their followers how to use sunflower lanyards to avoid airport lines and reap additional perks.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is intended to serve as a “discreet” way for those with “non-visible” conditions to let others know that they require additional assistance when they are in public.
More than 300 airports and 31 airlines worldwide, including British Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet, presently recognise it.
The lanyards can be picked up for free at certain airports or purchased online for £6. They don’t seem to demand documentation of a condition, which raises the possibility that the program could be abused.
Some cards say something like “I have ADHD” or “I am autistic.” Another states, “I have anxiety,” with the words “I may be nervous or overwhelmed and find it difficult to communicate” printed on the back.
I might get physical symptoms including breathing difficulties, lightheadedness, or illness. Please ask how you can help me, be patient, and speak gently.
Although many people with invisible disabilities appreciate the lanyards for making it easier for them to get through busy or stressful circumstances, so-called “sickfluencers” have come under fire for their promotion of them.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program claimed that neurodivergent people may travel with “greater confidence, dignity, and independence” thanks to its lanyards, however it did not grant anyone the automatic right to skip lines.
They allow persons with ADHD to “skip all queues” and “travel in the VIP lane” at airports, according to a TikTok user.
The lanyard enabled assistance to be “fast-tracked” through security at Manchester Airport, according to a second TikToker who describes having ADHD.
They allow persons with ADHD to “skip all queues” and “travel in the VIP lane” at airports, according to a TikTok user.
He stated, “A little advice for anyone with a disability like ADHD or something like that.”
“You don’t have to wait in lines for hours on end because you can get a sunflower lanyard and they let you through all check-ins first, priority, like business class.”
The lanyard enabled assistance to be “fast-tracked” through security at Manchester Airport, according to a second TikToker who described having ADHD.
While sporting one of the lanyards, another influencer commended Dubai Airport for granting him access to a lounge.
A person with dyslexia claimed in a TikTok video that the lanyard “definitely made my airport navigation easier.”
She claimed that because of her illness, she finds the experience “overwhelming” and frequently misses flights because “there is too much navigating.” She was boarding an Emirates flight at Heathrow.
The passenger commended the airline for having a dedicated check-in desk, which eliminated the need for her to wait in queue.
“Most importantly, they are allowing you to board the plane with priority boarding, first [class], and business,” she stated. “This meant that when I got on, I could take my time, get ready, put myself in my seat, and not worry about the hustle and bustle of everyone else getting on the plane with me.”
A Reddit post titled “Helpful tip – Tell your airline you have ADHD!” described all the benefits a traveller received after making a reservation with Jet2 and disclosing to the airline that they used ADHD medication and had an allergy.
“Jet2 called us to find out more about my allergy,” they said. During the phone conversation, she enquired about any medications I take, which included my ADHD medications. She then became very excited and informed me that ADHD is covered as a “hidden disability” at most UK airports, including Jet2 flights, and comes with a lot of extra accommodations for free!
We were seated together and had our seats reserved in advance. Priority boarding and getting off. We both received complimentary lunches and lounge access (not on all flights, but ours was long enough to qualify).
We didn’t need it, but she advised me to ask in the future. She also mentioned that some airlines and airports will provide you an additional bag.
Thus, this is a valuable piece of advice if you have ADHD and are flying. Inform them!
Another influencer commended Dubai Airport for granting him entrance to a lounge when he was sporting one of the lanyards.
People with “non-visible” conditions can use the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program as a “discreet” way to let others know they require additional assistance when they are in public.
I find airports overwhelming because of the crowds, finding my way to gates, duty-free navigation, airport security checks being too quick, and more. However, using my @HDSunflower lanyard, which identifies my hidden disability, definitely made my airport navigation easier. Additionally, @Emirates’ inclusiveness and commitment to neurodiversity awareness and hidden disabilities is noteworthy.They’ve A dedicated desk for check-in First/business class pre-boarding Employees that are kind, compassionate, understanding of neurodiversity, and more Many thanks to the @Emirates team 🇦🇪✈️ #dyslexia #dyslexiaawareness #hiddendisabilities #sunflowerlandyard #sunflowerlanyardscheme #dyspraxia #neurodivergent #neurodiverityweek
A representative of the Hidden Disabilities “The Sunflower itself does not guarantee access to airport lounges, upgrades, priority boarding, or fast-track services,” the Sunflower program stated.Individual airports, airlines, and transportation companies are free to make any support arrangements in accordance with their own accessibility standards. “Many non-visible disabilities, conditions, and chronic illnesses can have a very real impact on how people experience travel.” We acknowledge that not every person with a non-visible disability may have a formal diagnosis, and that some people may find it challenging to cope in busy and stressful surroundings. Diagnosis can take years in certain situations. “It is important that public debate does not create further stigma or discourage people with non-visible disabilities from seeking support when they need it.” “The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower continues to help millions of people around the world travel, work, and access public spaces with greater confidence, dignity, and independence.” “The Sunflower exists to encourage empathy, patience, and respectful support without making people feel forced to publicly disclose personal medical details.”
In April, The Daily Mail revealed that 20,000 individuals are referred for ADHD evaluations each month.
Long wait times for evaluations—eight years or longer—have resulted from this.
