“Wings For All" returns to CLT

When Jonathan Tucker learned about the Wings For All program at CLT, he immediately knew he had to be there with his 57-year-old aunt, June Tucker, of Monroe, N.C.

Prior to this event, June had never been on an airplane or even in an airport. This was their first time participating in Wings for All, which was held on Saturday, May 2.

“I did not want her first experience to be overwhelming or uncertain,” he said. “I wanted it to be intentional, supported and something that builds confidence—for both of us.”

CLT partners with Delta Air Lines and The Arc of North Carolina to bring the national program to Charlotte. It serves as a “dress rehearsal” for a real flight for individuals with autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Jonathan, who works in airline HR and is pursuing his pilot certification, wants to share his passion for aviation and travel with his Aunt June and has taken an active role in her life and care.

“She is vibrant, funny and loves being out in the world—coffee, shopping, movies and just being around people,” he added. “At the same time, she uses a wheelchair and has limited mobility, which has made something as simple as travel feel out of reach for most of her life.”

A Practice Day of Travel

June was one of 47 participants, accompanied by family members, including her sister Joy, who checked in, received boarding passes, cleared security, and then proceeded to Gate A-35 for lunch. They even mingled with the flight crew before they boarded the aircraft and taxied around before returning.

Wings for All offers an opportunity to acclimate to the sights and sounds of a bustling, often crowded airport, which can be overwhelming for someone with sensory issues. CLT's Canine Crew therapy dogs were also on hand for extra support.

CLT has hosted the program since 2017, and it continues to grow in popularity as families of individuals with disabilities and autism seek new experiences and ways to make travel and vacations possible.

Some families attend for several years before their loved ones feel ready for the real thing.

“My goal is to travel with her regularly, and we love the beach,” said Jonathan. “But beyond that, I want to take her and my mom to Paris. Neither of them has ever been overseas, and being able to give them that experience, especially June, would mean everything to me.”

“It’s Cool To Fly American” to CLT

On Saturday, April 11, American Airlines hosted 43 families and nearly 130 participants at CLT for the “It’s Cool to Fly American” program.

It’s another valuable program that gives children with autism or other special needs the opportunity to experience the Airport and everything associated with it – including check-in, security, waiting at the gate, and taxiing on the tarmac, as they would on a real flight.

The young travelers came to Gate C-13 with backpacks, headphones and stuffed animals, where they were met by American Airlines flight crews, members of the AA leadership team in Charlotte and other volunteers.

Once on board, there were plenty of smiles, selfies and high fives.

According to the airline, since 2014, “It’s Cool to Fly American” has hosted more than 8,500 participants from approximately 4,500 families in more than 62 locations.

(“It’s Cool to Fly” Photos Courtesy: Rita Bell Photography)