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Airports are busy environments and for some people this can be a stressful experience, especially if you or someone with you has a disability such as autism, dementia, or anxiety that isn’t immediately obvious to airport staff.
If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden or invisible disability, you can collect a sunflower lanyard to wear through Brisbane Airport.
Wearing the lanyard when you are at the airport is a way for you to indicate to staff that you may need a little extra help, guidance or time with the airport process.
Brisbane Airport staff have been trained to recognise the sunflower lanyard and to provide you with any help you may need at that stage of your journey through the airport. For example: if you are feeling overwhelmed we can slow down the process, keep things quiet, offer assurance and be as accommodating as possible.
Travel Tip: Be sure to contact your airline and make them aware of any specific assistance requirements that you may have.
If wheelchair assistance is required, your airline is best placed to help you.
Tips for using the Sunflower lanyard at Brisbane Airport
Airport Staff
Brisbane Airport staff have been trained to recognise the sunflower lanyard and to provide you with any help you may need at that stage of your journey through the airport. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please approach a staff member for help and we can slow down the process, keep things quiet, offer assurance and be as accommodating as possible.
The lanyard does not provide a personal staff escort through the airport process. If you require this level of assistance or wheelchair assistance, your airline is best placed to help you. If you haven't already done so, be sure to contact your airline and make them aware of any assistance requirements that you may have.
Use the assistance lane at security screening
The lanyard does not give you fast track access through Security or Passport Control. When entering the security area please use the assistance lane and you will be pointed to the shortest available lane. Where possible, you might be shown to the front of the queue – although we cannot guarantee this.
Help with luggage
The lanyard does not provide guaranteed help with your luggage. If this is something that you specifically require help with, please contact your airline to see what additional assistance they are able to provide.
Resources to help you plan your trip to Brisbane Airport:
- Notify your airline and request the right level of assistance.
- Read our Accessibility Journey Planner with tailored information to help you plan your journey through Brisbane Airport.
- Understand the process for screening and border security and any preparation you may need to consider.
- Find information on moving through the airport and locations of services and facilities.
Collecting a sunflower lanyard at Brisbane Airport
If the hidden disabilities program sounds right for you, lanyards will be available for collection from the following locations:
- Domestic Terminal - Visitor Information Centre on Level 1 (located opposite Trader & Co Cafe), from 7am - 7pm, Monday - Friday and 10am - 4pm, Saturday - Sunday.
- International Terminal - Visitor Information Centre on Level 2 (located in the middle of the 'arrivals hall') from 5:30am - midnight, daily.
Not sure where to find the Visitor Information Centre? Refer to our Terminal Maps for more information.
If you are unable to collect your lanyard during the Visitor Information Centre opening hours please email [email protected] for assistance.
Kookie's Guide to Travelling Overseas
Follow Kookie the Kookaburra's journey at the International Terminal, as he shows you the steps you'll need to go through before take off.
Other FAQs
What if I need extra support?
If you have requirements beyond what the airline can provide we recommend you look at specialised assistance services such as Medical Travel Companions.
Can I use this lanyard at other airports?
Yes, a number of Australian and International Airports recognise and support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
Other Australian airports with the sunflower program:
- Adelaide Airport
- Albury Airport
- Cairns Airport
- Gold Coast Airport
- Hobart Airport
- Launceston Airport
- Melbourne Airport
- Perth Airport
- Sydney Airport
Can I re-use my lanyard?
Yes, you can.
Where can I learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program?
Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program here.
Accessibility Journey Planner
Plan your journey ahead of time and download the Brisbane Airport Accessibility Journey Planner, a handy guide to provide those travelling with accessible needs with information around travelling through the airport.
Request a Sunflower Lanyard
Privacy Collection Statement
Brisbane Airport Corporation Pty Ltd (BAC) will collect your personal information when you request a Sunflower Lanyard. Your personal information will be provided to our third party provider Southern Queensland Tourism who manage the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program on our behalf. Your personal information will be used to respond to your enquiry, and to request feedback on your experience. BAC is committed to protecting your privacy and will deal with your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.