Non-Visible Disabilities

At London Stansted Airport we realise how challenging travelling through an airport can be, especially if you are unsure of what to expect on the day. We are continuously working on improving the airport experience for our passengers whose disabilities may not be immediately apparent to our staff or other customers.

Sunflower Lanyard - airport awareness scheme

London Stansted is pleased to be one of a number of UK Airports using the Sunflower Lanyard scheme. Wearing the Sunflower lanyard discreetly indicates to our staff that you have a non-visible disability and would like additional support. Our staff have been specially trained to recognise these identifiers and ask you what additional help will make your journey through the terminal and security better.

You do not need to have booked Assistance to request a lanyard. You can pick one up at the Assistance Reception in Zone A. Alternatively, you can use your Sunflower lanyard obtained from one of the UK airports in the scheme.

Please note that due to high demand we can’t post these out ahead of travel. Sunflower lanyards do not automatically grant access to the security FastTrack lane, however if you feel you would benefit from using the dedicated Assistance lane please speak to a member of staff at security.

Inclusive Dementia Community Airport accreditation

Since October 2024, London Stansted Airport has been accredited as an Inclusive Dementia Community Airport. To achieve this accredited status, we’ve worked closely with The Alzheimer’s Society (Essex) and put into place the following:

• Dementia awareness training: Over 1,000 staff trained to support passengers with dementia.

• Clear signage: Easy-to-read signs and visual aids to improve navigation.

• Quiet space: A designated area for relaxation away from the Departure Lounge.

• Upgraded facilities: Improved accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities.

• Dedicated meeting points: Safe spaces for passengers with dementia to reunite with their travelling companions.

• Facilitated visits with people living with dementia: To help them learn about the support available and any points where they may require assistance.

The continued commitment from the airport, collaboration with The Alzheimer’s Society (Essex), people living with dementia, and other airport stakeholders, has helped to make our airport an inclusive environment, sensitive to the needs of people living with dementia. We hope that this will help people living with dementia as well as their relatives, to feel calmer and more confident about travelling through our airport.

Read the full press release.