JetBlue Blue Horizon for Autism Making Travel Less Stressful
Blue Horizons for Autism
For many of us, our most precious childhood memories are made on family vacations. Yet, the experience of travel can be particularly stressful for children with autism and their families. That is why we continue to partner with Autism Speaks for the annual Blue Horizons for Autism airport rehearsal event. In September 2014, we hosted more than 250 families and individuals affected by autism at JFK so they could practice air travel simulations in a realistic environment. The event begins with check-ins, security screenings and plane boarding. Crewmembers then lead families through pre-takeoff procedures and taxi the jet around the jet-way before disembarking. Behavioral therapists are on hand throughout the day, and crewmembers receive training from Autism Speaks in advance of the event. We also supported Autism Speaks to develop ADVENTURES WITH AUTISM: THE AIRPORT EXPERIENCE, a guide to help families practice and prepare for travel.
JetBlue Customer Testimonials
“I just wanted to say we’ve had an incredibly difficult time since our daughter was killed in 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School. We’ve done a lot of traveling since her death - working in her name. And every experience with JetBlue, from the phone support to the inflight crew and pilots, has been amazing. There is a courtesy level with JetBlue that is unmatched by any other airline we have flown. Just wanted to say how important customer service is. Every traveler may not have our story, but every traveler has a story. Flying with an airline with a deep respect for customers may be the silver lining in someone’s dreary day. It has been ours. Thank you for [your] kindness and generosity.” – JetBlue Customer
A very special Valentine
Flying roundtrip can be exhausting for anyone, so when crewmembers stepped in to lend a hand to our customer on Valentine’s Day 2014, our hearts melted even more than usual.
The customer was traveling with her son and father between Washington, D.C. and Boston for a busy day of medical appointments for her 13-year old son, who has multiple disabilities. With travel delays and an inaccessible family restroom making the long trip home even more of a challenge, three JetBlue crewmembers took her and her family under their wings and helped them get home smoothly.
“All three of you made a lasting impression on me, and I will forever be grateful. You could have easily walked past me like everyone else did, but you chose to stop.”
“The most frustrating experience turned into the most positive one,” this mom wrote of her experience with the crewmembers who pitched in. The crewmembers even went so far as to follow up with her more than 6 months later when her son’s next appointment was scheduled to assure her that arrangements had been made for them. “I want to make sure you and your colleagues know what a difference you made in my life.” Nothing makes us feel the love more than when our customers share their crewmember experiences with others. Click here to read the full story on TheMighty.com.
To learn more about JetBlue’s long-term responsibility platform and to view the full report, visit www.jetblue.com/green/reporting.
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