Tampa International Airport - Hillsborough County Aviation Authority

07/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/21/2026 10:13

Wings for Autism takes off at TPA, giving families a real-world practice flight

Tampa International Airport's second annual Wings for Autism event took place this past Saturday, July 18, giving around 50 children with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with their families, a chance to experience air travel in a calm, supportive setting.

Hosted in partnership with The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation and Southwest Airlines, the event guided families through the full airport process, just as they would for a real trip. Participants checked in at the ticket counter, dropped off their bags, rode the shuttle, went through TSA security, and boarded a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 before finding their seats on the aircraft.

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