Warwick, RI – November 18, 2025 – Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) will host its third practice boarding event, “Autism Flies,” in partnership with Breeze Airways and Autism Double-Checked (ADC) on November 18, 2025. The program allows participants to practice the travel experience at the airport before an actual flight, helping families and individuals better navigate the challenges that come with new situations. PVD hosted its first event, in partnership with Breeze Airways and ADC in October 2024, with some of those families returning for a third time in this upcoming event.
Those registered for the event arrive at the airport before their “flight,” enter the terminal, collect their boarding passes at the ticket counter, and proceed through the security screening process before arriving at the gate area to await boarding. When called, participants board the aircraft, find their seats, fasten seat belts, listen to the onboard announcements, enjoy the “in-flight” snack service, and then finally deplane, with the prospect of booking a real trip in the future.
“For many families in the autism community, the unknowns of air travel can feel overwhelming, especially as we approach the busy holiday season,” said Alan Day, Founder and CEO of Autism Double-Checked. “Events like Autism Flies give individuals the chance to practice each step of the journey in a calm, supportive environment where practice makes progress. We’re excited to welcome new participants as well as several families returning for their second or even third time, as we encourage everyone to join us as often as they need until they feel truly ready to fly. We’re deeply appreciative of PVD and Breeze Airways for their ongoing partnership and their shared commitment to making travel more inclusive for all.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Breeze Airways and Autism Double Checked on this worthy initiative,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. “This program helps us fulfill our mission to ensure that every passenger who comes through our terminal has a pleasant and welcoming experience.”
Breeze Airways service staff and crews are certified by ADC, which offers training designed to make autism inclusion simple across various sectors of the travel industry, including airports, airlines, hotels, tour operators, and travel agents. The company is based in Connecticut and was started in 2015 by two travel industry professionals who specialize in autism awareness training and are also parents of special-needs children.
Aviation entrepreneur and Breeze Airways founder, David Neeleman, initiated a training program for frontline Team Members on delivering a safe and happy travel experience to individuals with autism. By operating out of underserved airports, Breeze Airways, the premium leisure carrier offering affordable nonstop service across the U.S., seeks to provide a more pleasant travel experience for all and is pleased to extend its caring service to the autism community.
“Breeze is all about making travel more accessible and enjoyable for all Guests, and giving back to our communities, including the Autism community,” Neeleman said. “We are honored to partner with ADC and PVD to make this event possible and encourage these Guests to keep coming back until they’re ready to be welcomed on a future flight.”
To learn more about Autism Flies events, please visit: https://autismchecked.com/autism-flies/.
About the Rhode Island Airport Corporation: The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) was formed on December 9, 1992, as a semi-autonomous subsidiary of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to operate and maintain the state’s airport system. The corporation’s powers are vested in its seven-member board of directors appointed by the governor. RIAC is responsible for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the six state-owned airports and supervising all civil airports, landing areas, navigation facilities, aviation schools, and flying clubs. In addition to Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, RIAC is responsible for five general aviation airports throughout the state: Block Island, Newport, North Central, Quonset, and Westerly. For more information, visit RIAC at https://www.flyri.com.
About Autism Double-Checked (ADC): Autism Double-Checked believes that travel should be available for everyone, including individuals and families impacted by autism. To create this reality, ADC provides online autism awareness training and certification programs that have been specifically designed to make autism inclusion simple and profitable for all segments of the travel industry, including airlines, hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Based in Connecticut, the organization was founded in 2015 by two lifetime travel professionals and leading experts on traveling with autism who are also parents to special needs children. Most families with an autistic child avoid taking family vacations due to concerns about their child’s reaction to all the unfamiliar stimuli they will confront outside of their routine ‘comfort bubble’ at home. Autism Double-Checked works with its travel industry partners to ensure training and resources are in place to give this travel segment confidence that they are included and welcomed as travelers. For more information, visit www.autismchecked.com.
About Breeze Airways: Breeze Airways operates more than 300 year-round and seasonal routes to 80 cities in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze took flight in May 2021 bringing premium, affordable, and nonstop air service to secondary markets on its flagship fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Breeze has been named a top 4 “Best Domestic Airline” by Travel + Leisure for four consecutive years, the “Best Major Airline in North America” by the Airline Passenger Experience Association, and one of Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies” for 2025. Breeze was the first U.S. domestic airline to be certified by Autism Double-Checked and is the official airline of local Make-a-Wish chapters in Utah, Connecticut, and South Carolina. With seamless booking, friendly policies, and customized booking options, Breeze makes it easy to buy and Seriously Nice™ to fly.
Media Contacts:
Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport
Bill Fischer [email protected] 401-862-4652
Breeze Airways Corporate Communications
McKinnley Matson [email protected] (801) 436-3984
Autism Double-Checked
Matt Harrison [email protected]