Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) joins the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program
The worldwide program uses lanyards illustrated with Sunflowers on a green background to discreetly communicate that the wearer has a non-visible disability and may thus have particular needs in certain situations. Zurich Airport and Geneva Airport have adopted the Sunflower program and are making Sunflower lanyards available upon request. The Sunflower lanyard will enable SWISS personnel and other airport staff to discreetly identify the wearer as having a non-visible disability and give them the appropriate understanding and any additional support they may need.
Over a billion people around the world live with a non-visible disability such as autism, ADHD, epilepsy or dementia. These individuals may find air travel particularly challenging, which is why SWISS is committed to being a Sunflower-friendly airline and supporting Sunflower wearers as effectively as possible.
A symbol of an understanding world
By wearing a Sunflower lanyard, individuals with non-visible disabilities can discreetly convey to others that they may need more time, patience, help or understanding in certain situations. Wearing the Sunflower lanyard is entirely voluntary.
Heike Birlenbach, SWISS Chief Commercial Officer, said:
"Travel should be an enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of any visible or hidden disability. In joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, we want to play our full part in removing obstacles, alleviating uncertainties and providing an environment in which all our guests feel recognized and understood. For us, this is a further key step in creating and maintaining an even more inclusive and respectful travel culture.”
Lanyards are easy to obtain
Sunflower lanyards will be available at Zurich Airport from the PRM (passengers with reduced mobility) pick-up points, from the Arrival 2 information desk or from the supervisors’ desks in the transit zone and Check-in 1. At Geneva Airport they will be available from the GVassistance Lounge in Terminal 1.
The Sunflower lanyards are not intended to replace the airport's passenger assistance and wheelchair services. They also do not entitle the wearer to any priority or preferential treatment at check-in, security or boarding. They should, however, ensure that their wearers enjoy the awareness, respect and empathy of staff and others throughout the airport process.
Learn more about SWISS by visiting its website: swiss.com