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Are you anxious about flying? Do you feel overwhelmed by airport procedures and security checks? Or are you managing a disability or health condition that makes travel more challenging? Buckle up, because this one’s for you.
Virgin Australia and Adelaide Airport have officially launched the ‘Try Before You Fly’ (TBYF) program to make air travel more inclusive and accessible. This free program offers a practical, hands-on way to experience the airport journey before taking a real trip.
An Australian first, Try Before You Fly has already supported more than 150 participants during its trial phase and is now inviting anyone interested to get on board.
Each session will guide you through a realistic, step-by-step simulation of the travel process. You’ll practise checking in at a real airline counter, move through security screening with guidance, walk to the departure gate and board an actual Virgin Australia aircraft. Once on board, you can sit in the cabin, listen to announcements and ask questions – all while the plane remains safely at the gate (no, you will not take off).
Virgin Australia chief risk officer Stuart Aggs said, “Of the previous round participants, 47 per cent have since chosen to travel by air, so we know the transformative power that programs like this can have in fostering inclusion and look forward to exploring new ways to remove barriers to flying.”
Try Before You Fly is open to anyone who finds air travel overwhelming, including autistic and neurodivergent travellers, people with sensory issues, or those who feel anxious about flying. The best bit? It is completely free and you don’t need to be an NDIS participant to avail of the program. Still feeling anxious? You can bring family, friends or support workers with you as long as they are registered, too.
By offering the chance to practise in a low-stress setting, the program helps participants feel more prepared, independent and confident when the day comes to board a real flight. You can find out more and register for the next Try Before You Fly session here.