Events /

“Wings for All” 2026 Event at Chicago O’Hare Airport

When

Saturday, May 2, 2026    
9:00 am - 10:30 am
iCal

Where

O'Hare International Airport - United Terminal
10000 W. O'Hare Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 60666

Event Type

A free opportunity for individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities and their families to explore the airport and practice the boarding process alongside airline staff

Join The Arc for the “Wings for All”  program on May 2, beginning at 9 a.m. at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the United Terminal.

People with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often experience stress and other barriers when flying. Airports and airplanes can be overwhelming due to unexpected lights, noises, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening and crowds.

Airport and airline staff may not know how to handle accommodations or unexpected behaviors when a flier is overwhelmed or nervous about navigating the air travel process.

Wings brings families and aviation professionals together to explore the airport, rehearse the flight process and learn from each other.

Participants will experience:

  • Checking in and receiving boarding passes
  • Passing through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint
  • Waiting in the boarding area
  • Boarding an aircraft (the plane does not take off)

The event will include a small reception featuring light snacks and refreshments.

All individuals 18 and older must have a REAL ID with a photo to pass through TSA Security. Please visit the TSA.gov website to ensure that your ID is REAL ID-compliant.

If you do not have a REAL ID, you must pay a $45 fee online before attending the event to pass through TSA. The payment link is included on the registration form below.  The ID will only be valid for 10 days from the date you obtain it online.

You can read more about the Wings for All program on The Arc’s website.

Register for Wings for All at O’Hare Airport.

Chapters of The Arc, local partners and airport, airline and TSA personnel work collaboratively to design and carry out each Wings event.

For questions, please contact Kim Swanson at Kim@thearcofil.org or (815) 464-1832, ext. 1024.