Blog
Why I used to pass out during the security check.
Airports are one of the most hostile environments, especially for neurodivergent people. I haven’t spoken about this before, but I used to pass out during my flight check-in (or sometimes at the security check) because I physically cannot deal with queues. Too many people. Not enough space. People breathing on me. Lights are too bright. Too many sounds and loud noises.
Standing in a long line was overwhelming for me; my chest would go tight and I’d start panicking. Since learning more about my ADHD and starting this journey of self-awareness and acceptance, I’ve tried to reflect on why this happens to me.
Let me take you inside my AuDHD brain 🧠
While at the airport, these are just some of the questions that are flying through my mind simultaneously:
Am I getting there on time?
How many people are going to be at the check-in counter?
Is the security check going to be okay?
How crowded is it going to be?
Will my flight be on time?
Will I catch my connecting flight?
Is my bag going to make it to my final destination?
Am I going to be too hot? Is it going to be too cold?
Should I wear something more comfortable?
Is my hair okay?
Do I look presentable?
They just repeat over, and over, and over. I can’t distract myself from them. Maybe this is something that people with anxiety can resonate with? As someone with AuDHD, I’m hyper-sensitive to stress and high energy environments. Airports are generally crowded and you feel like you’re just being herded into different directions. When I don’t do anything to try and manage these feelings, my body does what it needs to do to survive: shut down. Sometimes I can tell that this is starting to happen, and I find a safe space to sit down, have some water, and take some deep breaths. But today, I didn’t need to do any of those things because I used my Rakun Card.
The line at the KLM check-in counter at Vienna Airport was so long that I knew I couldn’t do it. It was crowded and all I could think about was how little space there was between strangers, the queue barriers make me feel trapped, and I physically cannot stand still for +40 minutes. I decided to approach a KLM staff member and show them Rakun Card, my hidden disability app, and they responded so kindly and professionally. They escorted me to a separate check-in counter, helped me as efficiently as possible, and wished me a good flight. It took 5 minutes.
Security was still chaotic, but having been accommodated at check-in I felt like I had the energy to face it. I felt reassured that I had something in my pocket that could support me in stressful situations, and I’ve realised how much of a game changer it is for me while traveling.
Let’s unmask and make the world more inclusive!
Pete
Curious about Rakun Card?
Check it out, download it for free
