Special Needs Travelers Rehearse Going Through an Airport

April marks the beginning of National Autism Awareness Month and Miami International Airport is doing their part to raise awareness.

On Wednesday, 11 families with children who have special needs were able to take part in a “dress rehearsal” of what it’s like to go through the airport prior to actually taking a trip.

+ PHOTOS: Special Needs Travelers Rehearse Traveling Through an Airport

While the airport was developing the program, they found that many families avoid air travel out of fear that the potential for sensory overload at airports, including loudspeaker announcements, long lines and crowds, could add emotional distress or disruptions to their travel plans. MIA hopes to minimize those fears with their program, MIAir.

Special needs travelers and their family members had the opportunity to visit a ticket agent and obtain a boarding pass.

Once they had their tickets in hand, “travelers” placed their bags on conveyer belts and made their way through a security checkpoint.

After going through security, the families arrived at a gate, where they presented their boarding passes to a ticketing agent and then boarded a plane.

Guests were greeted by flight attendants and then took their seats, buckled up and watched a safety video. Essentially, guests took part in the entire flying experience leading up to take off.

Once the plane “landed,” the children were able to tour the plane, and check out the behind the scenes of how a plane runs. Flight attendants showed guests the galley, which is where beverages, meals and snacks are prepared on the plane.

Before getting off the plane, guests were able to sit in the pilot’s seat and see what it’s like to fly a plane.

Once guests got off the plane, they received certificates where they graduated from the MIAir program.

Tours are held three times a year at Miami International Airport. Those interested in participating can click here for more information.