For many autistic and neurodivergent travellers, the hardest part of flying is the unpredictability — and Toronto Pearson spent Sunday rehearsing it away. The airport partnered with Autism Ontario and Air Transat for the fourth annual 'Ready, Set, Fly ... with YYZ' event, an immersive familiarization tour that drew more than 200 participants.
Families walked the full journey at Canada's largest airport with the pressure removed: no departure to catch, no line to lose a place in, and staff on hand to explain each step. Autism Ontario chief executive Marg Spoelstra said routine and predictability make a world of difference, and that programs like this help families build confidence and reduce stress before travelling.
Air Transat, a partner since the event began, opened its aircraft and crew expertise to participants. Senior director Andréan Gagné said the airline wants every family to feel welcome on board, including those for whom a first flight takes more preparation.
Pearson also used the day to highlight its newer Travel Rehearsal Program, launched this year, which lets passengers with disabilities practise their airport journey year-round on a more personalized scale, alongside tools such as MagnusCards step-by-step visual guides.
The event has grown every year, and organizers say that growth is the point: accessibility work that families can rehearse in October becomes confidence they carry into the holiday travel season.
