Virgin Atlantic has announced the launch of an accredited Autism Awareness training programme for its cabin crew, developed in partnership with autism travel specialists, Autism Double-Checked. The programme forms part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to inclusive travel and supporting customers with non-visible disabilities.

Launching this May, the mandatory digital training consists of two modules - one covering general autism awareness, and a second designed specifically for the cabin crew role with a focus on the inflight experience. All cabin crew will complete both as part of their annual recurrent learning, giving every crew member the confidence and practical tools to support autistic customers onboard, from recognising sensory sensitivities and signs of distress, to adapting how they communicate and providing reassurance throughout the journey. Virgin Atlantic also plans to extend the training to all customer-facing ground teams in 2026, ensuring consistent support at every stage of the travel experience.

Becky Woodmansee, Chief People Officer, Virgin Atlantic, said:
“At Virgin Atlantic, we’re committed to making sure everyone can take on the world. We know that for autistic customers and their families, flying can be a unique and unfamiliar environment which presents challenges. By listening to our customers and working with autism travel specialists Autism Double-Checked, alongside our own people who have personal experience of autism, we’ve built a training programme that gives every crew member the understanding and confidence to make a real difference onboard.”

Alan Day, Founder and CEO of Autism Double-Checked, said:
“For autistic travellers and their families, knowing that every crew member on a flight has been trained to understand and support their needs is such a positive step in the right direction. We’re proud to have developed this programme with Virgin Atlantic and hope it sets a new standard for the industry.”

Aeron Lloyd-Wren, Cabin Crew, Virgin Atlantic, said: “My son is autistic, and I’ve experienced first-hand both the joys and the challenges that travel can bring. As cabin crew, we’re in a unique position. Small adjustments such as understanding sensory sensitivities, communicating clearly and offering reassurance can completely transform a family’s journey. For me, this isn’t just training. It’s about dignity, inclusion, and ensuring that families like mine feel welcome when they travel with us.”

The introduction of Autism Awareness training builds on Virgin Atlantic’s wider commitment to inclusive travel for all. It follows the airline’s introduction of British Sign Language training for crew in 2024, delivered in partnership with deaf-led organisation Remark!, and the creation of the Accessibility Advisory Board, which brings together leaders with lived experience of accessible travel to shape the airline’s approach going forward.