By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–San Diego International Airport on Feb. 24 announced the launch of SAN Assist, a new program aimed at supporting travelers with non-visible disabilities and helping them navigate the airport with greater comfort and confidence.
SAN Assist is designed for passengers with conditions such as autism, chronic illness, sensory sensitivities and other disabilities that may not be immediately apparent but can make air travel challenging. The program provides personalized assistance and advance preparation resources intended to reduce stress and improve the overall travel experience.
Services offered through the program are Travel Guides that include one-on-one assistance on the day of travel, helping passengers move through the airport more easily. Requests for Travel Guides must be submitted at least three business days in advance and are available daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., based on availability.
Familiarization Tours allow passengers with upcoming trips to visit the airport ahead of time to practice navigating the environment. These tours are intended to build comfort and confidence prior to travel. Requests should be made two to three weeks in advance of preferred tour dates. Tours are offered Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
“We are very proud to offer our SAN Assist program to help all travelers feel supported and welcomed at SAN,” said Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “By providing personalized assistance and advance preparation options, our goal is to help all travelers easily navigate the airport experience and ensure their experience is positive.”
SAN Assist services are available in both Terminals 1 and 2. Airport officials said the program reflects the airport’s continued commitment to accessibility and customer care, emphasizing that not all disabilities are visible and that tailored support can make a meaningful difference.
For more information about SAN Assist or to request services, travelers can visit the San Diego International Airport website.
