united special travel needs

United Airlines' new tool will let you know if your wheelchair will fit on your flight

United Airlines announced improvements to the air travel experience for passengers with disabilities. The updates, set to roll out early next year, include a new tool on the airline’s website to help wheelchair users identify the flights and aircrafts that can best accommodate their mobility devices. As part of the updates, travelers will also be eligible for a partial fare reimbursement if more expensive flights are better equipped to accommodate the device.

“By offering customers an easy way to know if their personal wheelchair fits on a particular airplane, we can give them the peace of mind they deserve when they fly with us,” Linda Jojo, executive vice president and chief customer officer at United said in a statement. “Plus, collecting this information ahead of time ensures our team can handle these special items with proper care and attention.”

The tool is meant for checked wheelchairs, not those that can travel in the cabin. It’s also not a solution to allow wheelchair users to travel in their mobility devices, though concepts along those lines are under development elsewhere . 

The announcement was made in conjunction with the Department of Transportation, which said the improvements follow an investigation into United based on a complaint filed by Engracia Figueroa, a wheelchair user who died from complications related to an injury she sustained after her wheelchair was damaged on a flight. 

“Everyone ought to be able to travel safely and with dignity, and I’m glad that United is taking steps to improve their service for passengers who use wheelchairs,” Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “For our part, we at USDOT will continue working to make air travel safer and more accessible for people with disabilities, and for the millions of Americans who step on a plane every day.” 

Here’s what travelers need to know about these updates.

What is United’s new wheelchair booking tool?

Travelers booking on united.com will have the ability to enter the dimensions of their wheelchairs under a flight search filter, which will allow the website to prioritize flight options that are best equipped to handle their mobility device.

“The size of aircraft cargo hold doors varies, so some aircraft are better able than others to handle larger motorized wheelchairs, which must travel upright,” a statement from the airline said.

Disabled travelers have previously told USA TODAY that cargo hold door dimensions are a well-known impediment to the safe transportation of large, motorized wheelchairs.

Although United did not announce any updates to training for baggage handlers who load wheelchairs on the ramp, the airline said it continues to explore ways to improve that aspect of its operation, too.

How to get a refund for eligible accessible flights

Once the sizing tool is live, United said it will refund the fare difference for disabled travelers who are better accommodated on more expensive itineraries.

“If a customer is unable to take a preferred flight because their wheelchair will not fit through the aircraft’s cargo door – and takes a United flight with a higher fare that can accommodate their wheelchair on the same day and between the same origin and destination – the customer may seek a refund of the fare difference,” a statement from the airline said. “Customers seeking a refund of the fare difference will need to follow United’s process, including completing a short form after they’ve traveled. United will promptly ensure they receive the difference in fare after review.”

Tell us your story: Mobility device lost or damaged by an airline? USA TODAY wants to hear about it.

United’s disabled traveler experience improvement pilot program

The airline is also working to improve the experience for travelers whose mobility devices are damaged.

In the coming months, United will begin a pilot program at George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport aimed at making it easier for travelers to be accommodated if something goes wrong.

According to United, the program will focus on reducing the amount of time it takes for customers to be reunited with their wheelchairs after they arrive, or for an appropriate loaner to be provided if that’s necessary in the situation.

In collaboration with its accessible travel advisory board, United said it plans to explore other accessibility initiatives as part of the pilot, including providing specialized seating in the airport for disabled passengers who are waiting to be reunited with their mobility devices, and a plan to reimburse travelers for ground transportation expenses if they choose not to stay in the airport after wheelchair damage occurs. 

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

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With Changes, United Airlines Looks To Improve Travel For Those With Disabilities

by Shaun Heasley | October 3, 2023

United Airlines is taking steps to make it easier for people with disabilities to find flights that can accommodate wheelchairs. (Thinkstock)

In what’s being seen as a precedent-setting move, a major airline plans to give travelers with disabilities the ability to filter flights on its website based on accessibility.

United Airlines said that it will become the first airline to offer people with disabilities the ability to quickly see on its website which flights can accommodate various wheelchairs.

Starting early next year, individuals will be able to enter the exact dimensions of their wheelchair and the website will prioritize flights on planes with cargo hold doors large enough to accommodate the specified size.

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“By offering customers an easy way to know if their personal wheelchair fits on a particular airplane, we can give them the peace of mind they deserve when they fly with us,” said Linda Jojo, executive vice president and chief customer officer at United. “Plus, collecting this information ahead of time ensures our team can handle these special items with proper care and attention.”

The change comes as a result of a deal with the U.S. Department of Transportation in response to a complaint from Engracia Figueroa , a passenger with a disability whose motorized wheelchair was broken during a 2021 United flight. Figueroa died about three months later, an outcome her attorney blamed on injuries sustained when she was left to sit in an ill-fitting manual wheelchair for hours after deplaning.

In addition to providing clearer information about whether flights can accommodate certain wheelchairs, United is committing to refund the difference in price for travelers who must select a more expensive flight option due to the size of their wheelchair.

The airline said it will also pilot a program at George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport to better accommodate passengers whose wheelchairs are damaged or delayed in flight by providing specialized seating at the terminal and reimbursing transportation expenses for those who wish to wait somewhere other than the airport.

Per the agreement with the Transportation Department, United will seek feedback from every passenger who checks a wheelchair in order to inform the airline’s procedures going forward.

“Everyone ought to be able to travel safely and with dignity, and I’m glad that United is taking steps to improve their service for passengers who use wheelchairs,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Between 2019 and 2022, U.S. airlines mishandled 32,640 wheelchairs and scooters, or about 1.45%, on domestic flights, according to the agreement United Airlines reached with the Transportation Department. United had the third-best record, with an average rate of 1.2% of wheelchairs mishandled.

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Airlines offer programs to help people with autism, other developmental disabilities

Airline travel is often stressful for people not on the autism spectrum -- the crowds, the lines, the rules, the tight quarters.

Now imagine you're a person who struggles to make sense of the world around you. Crowds might be overwhelming; sounds may present as too loud; and taking off your shoes doesn't make any sense.

There are 61 million Americans living with a disability, whether physical, developmental or both. And they fly.

(More: Baby on board? This airline tells you where babies are seated on your flight)

In recent years airlines have stepped up both training and offerings for those living with disabilities.

Delta Air Lines' Taking Flight Tour is a monthly guided tour at Atlanta and Minneapolis airports to provide customers the opportunity to navigate the air travel experience in a realistic, relaxed environment.

The tour walks participants through the air travel experience starting with the check-in process, going through screening, waiting in the gate area and boarding the aircraft with Delta pilots and flight attendants.

Atlanta even offers a multisensory room for customers that provides a calming space for children, individuals with disabilities and their families as they travel.

On American Airlines, the "It's Cool to Fly" program is a similar mock travel experience.

Families concerned about their kids dealing with the hustle and bustle of air travel are able to experience nearly every aspect of it without actually taking off. They park, check-in, wait at the gate, board, taxi, return to the gate and retrieve their luggage. The experience lasts about 3 1/2 hours and moves from airport to airport.

(More: Everything you need to know about Real ID)

JetBlue, which periodically offers the "Blue Horizons" program along with nonprofit Autism Speaks, also offers a simulated flight experience complete with applied behavior analysts at the event.

United's "Wings for All" is done in conjunction with The Arc of Texas and runs a real-life simulation of the air travel experience at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston twice a year. Families practice getting boarding passes, passing through security check, waiting in the boarding area and boarding an airplane. On the plane, they buckle up, have a beverage and snack, and listen to the captain’s announcements and can practice using the seats, tray tables and aircraft restrooms.

Wings for All is not limited to United; it's a national program with events all over the nation. Here's a link to upcoming events .

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Travel: Tips for People with Disabilities

Here are some helpful tips for traveling whether it’s for a vacation, family visits, or business travel. Information on travel by plane, bus, or train and tips for making hotel reservations, traveling with oxygen, and service animals.

Information was provided in part by Access-Able, the National Business Travel Association, and the Department of Transportation.

• People with certain medical conditions may want to contact their doctor before flying.
• Make reservations in advance.
• Inform the airline if you need assistance boarding.
• Those in wheelchairs should request a seat with lift-up arms for easier transfer from the aisle to your seat.
• Check your chair or scooter at the boarding gate and label equipment with your name and address.
• Before landing, remind flight attendants that you need your equipment brought to the gate.

In the United States, the Air Carrier Access Act prohibits airlines from discriminating against people with disabilities. Outside the United States Keep,  many of these regulations are not enforced, so be prepared.

Before you book your flight, call the airline and ask how they will handle your needs as a person with a disability. If you are not satisfied with the response, ask to speak to a complaints resolution officer (CRO) immediately and work with the CRO until you feel your concerns have been heard and your needs will be met. Each airline is required by the US Department of Transportation to implement a complaint resolution mechanism, which includes designating a  CRO . The airline must make this person available via telephone at no cost to the passenger.

Delta Airlines

Accessible Travel Services. Travelers with Disabilities, tell us what we can do best to meet your needs by calling us. Phone: 404-209-3434.

United Airlines

Customers with Disabilities can call United’s 24-hour Disability Desk Phone: 800-228-2744

Southwest Airlines

Customers with Disabilities can call for accommodations and help Phone: 800-I-FLY-SWA or 800-435-9792 for assistance.

American Airlines – Special Assistance Line If you have questions or want to make special travel arrangements, you can make them online

Phone: 800-433-7300

For hearing or speech impaired assistance, call 800-543-1586.

JetBlue – Accessibility Assistance

Traveling with a wheelchair, a service animal or a medical condition? We’ll help make your journey safe and smooth. Phone: 855-232-5463

Icelandair – Traveling with Reduced Mobility

We want all passengers to enjoy a comfortable flight onboard, whether traveling internationally or domestically. Phone:  800-223-5500

Autism Speaks Taking a Airplane (pdf) A guide for people with autism that can be reviewed before traveling.

Airline Travel Tips

United Spinal Association has information related to traveling by air.

• Talk directly to the hotel staff rather than central reservations.
• Never assume anything. Research can avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Accessible Lodging ADA Standards
• Tripadvisor Accessibility Checklist for Hotel Accommodation

Traveling with Oxygen

• Make arrangements in advance.
• Obtain a doctor’s statement of needs.
• Know that you cannot bring your own oxygen supply on board but airlines must permit a passenger to use his/her Portable Oxygen Concentrator during the flight if it is labeled as FAA-approved. Airlines charge by flight or amount for the use of their oxygen tanks.
• Do’s and Don’ts of Traveling with Oxygen

Ground Transportation

When booking flight or hotel room, ask for an accessible shuttle. Call the National Transit Hotline at 800-527-8279 for a list of local transit providers. Or, visit the Community Transportation Association website. Paratransit services may provide door-to-door service, public buses or ride-sharing opportunities.

Greyhound Bus

We are available to provide any requested assistance which is reasonable. The types of assistance that we are more frequently asked to provide involve boarding and de-boarding, luggage, transfers, and stowage and retrieval of wheeled mobility devices. This service is provided during transfers, meal and rest stops and other times as reasonably requested. We are happy to assist you whether you are traveling alone, using various wheeled mobility devices, or being accompanied by a service animal. Phone: 800-752-4841,  Spanish/Español: 1-800-531-5332  TTY/TDD: 1-800-345-3109

Email: [email protected]

Amtrak supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and we have worked to make our facilities more accessible to customers with disabilities. Our goal is to provide safe, efficient and comfortable service to all of our passengers. We are pleased to provide additional services to passengers with disabilities, and we have worked to make our facilities more accessible to customers with disabilities. Phone: 800-872-7245

Metal Implants and Internal Medical Devices

Travelers with metal implants including joint replacements, often have questions about airport security screening.  Doctor’s ID cards and notes are not needed. You may be asked to have a second screening with a wand, pat down or imaging machine. Removing clothing to show surgical scars is not needed. Some people like to tell TSA screeners that they have metal implants before they walk through security, but self disclosure is a personal choice.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Information

If a passenger has metal implants, such as artificial knees or hips, he or she should inform a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) before screening begins. Passengers can use TSA’s Notification Card to communicate discreetly with security officers. However, showing this card or other medical documentation will not exempt a passenger from additional screening. Many passengers with metal implants that regularly alarm a metal detector prefer to be screened by imaging technology in order to reduce the likelihood of a patdown being necessary. A passenger can request to be screened by imaging technology if it is in use and available at the checkpoint. If a passenger cannot or chooses not to be screened by imaging technology or the passenger alarms a walk-through metal detector, the passenger will be screened using a thorough pat down procedure.

Information on knee/hip implants

Boston Scientific Traveling with a Pacemaker 

Abbott Traveling with your Device 

Service Animals

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires businesses to modify a “no pets” policy for service animals. Deposits and surcharges may be imposed on a disabled traveler for the use of a service animal. Carriers must permit a service animal to accompany a disabled traveler to any seat unless the animal obstructs an evacuation area.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Passengers with Service Dogs

If a passenger has a service dog due to a disability or medical condition, both the passenger and the service dog will be screened. The passenger should inform a security officer that the dog is a service animal and not a pet. It is helpful if the animal is wearing gear (a harness, vest, etc.) to indicate that it is a service animal. Passengers with service animals may request to access the checkpoint by the dedicated family or wheelchair lanes if they exist. Choose Service Dogs and Animals from the drop down menu on the website .

Traveling with a Service Dog, a Complete Step-By-Step Guide

Other Resources

The Department of Transportation

Offers disabled travelers information about the Air Carrier Access requirements for accommodations, facilities and services. An online guide provides directions on how to plan for a trip, including what you need to pack; how to get on and off the plane with mobility aids; and the rules that air carriers need to follow for seat assignments, service animals and personnel training.

TSA Cares & Passenger Support

Travelers with disabilities and medical conditions can call TSA toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. The hours of operation are: Weekdays 8 Am to 11 PM EST, Weekends/Holidays 9 AM to 8 PM EST, excluding federal holidays. Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares or can e-mail [email protected] .

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)  Info for Disabilities and Medical Conditions

To ensure your security, all travelers are required to undergo screening at the checkpoint. You or your traveling companion may consult the TSA officer about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process.

TSA Cares is a help line to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. TSA recommends that passengers call 72 hours ahead of travel for information about what to expect during screening.  Travelers may call TSA Cares.

Phone: 855-787-2227.

Contact: [email protected]

Autism Speaks 

Traveling Tips for Individuals with Autism and Their Families

Fact Sheet last updated on: 3/29/2023

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Disclaimer:  INDEX is pleased to provide you this information. Please note,  this information is not comprehensive, nor is it intended to take the place of professional advice. We encourage you to check other resources of such information. No endorsement by the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, DisabilityInfo.org,  INDEX, or affiliates, should be inferred. We reserve the right to remove, to modify, or to add any information at any time, for any reason, and without notice.

INDEX is a program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center , a Center for Excellence at the UMass Chan Medical School. This is an official page / publication. © 2017 University of Massachusetts. All rights reserved. Disclaimer Privacy Statement

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Airport Assistance for Travelers with Special Needs

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Traveling when you or a family member has special needs can be a stressful experience. Airports and airlines try to make the process of traveling with special needs as smooth as possible. However, it’s difficult for them to help if they don’t know ahead of time what to expect. On this page we’ll tell you two ways to get assistance at the airport and on the airplane if you need it.

TSA Cares is a helpline for travelers with special needs, medical conditions or other special circumstances, which is meant to help you through the security screening process. Below we provide everything you need to know about the TSA Cares program. Also, nearly every airline has a special needs page on their website which provides helpful information. A quick phone call to the airline can usually calm your nerves over any concerns you may have. Since we are unable to contact the airlines on your behalf, we have provided the top airline’s website and contact information for your convenience. 

The process of navigating the airport and your flight to and from your vacation destination does not have to be stressful. All it takes is a little additional planning and preparation on your part.  Read on to learn how to obtain airport assistance when traveling with special needs.

TSA Cares Helpline: (855)787-2227 TSA Contact Center Email: [email protected] or Call: (866)289-9673

TSA Cares is a helpline for travelers with special needs, medical conditions or other special circumstances, which is meant to help you through the security screening process. 

You may call TSA Cares up to 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.  It is also a good idea to call them again on your way to the airport to give them your exact arrival time.  At the airport, you may also ask a TSA Officer at any time for a passenger support specialist.

For more information here are some additional resources from TSA.gov :

Disabilities and Medical Conditions

Traveling with Medications

TSA Tips for Travelers with Disabilities, Medical Devices and Medical Conditions

Tips for Special Needs at Disney group member experiences with TSA Cares

…I know several people use TSA Cares program, and it is wonderful…I wanted to share a little bit of information using it in MCO, which is a very busy airport and can be overwhelming on how to use, we originally flew from Philly and on the morning of our flight a TSA rep called us to let us know where they were expecting us and to just call them back at this number when we arrived upstairs after checking our bags and they would meet us. This was wonderful. For the first time my daughter did not have a meltdown and they allowed for her to feel successfully independent. MCO airport is so busy…we checked out bags and then found ourselves at information and explained we had signed up to use TSA Cares and were looking for a PSS. They then showed us to where the TSS managers on Duty are, there were two of them there and they were located in the opening between the two information booths they were wearing blue TSA shirts sitting on a bench, they will look busy (because they are) but they will call for a PSS to meet you and you stay in that area until they do. The PSS and entire TSA program is amazing and you should use it. they made sure she was supported and everyone was so caring on both ends. I just wanted to share with everyone!

We called and used TSA Cares for our daughter who is T1 as well.  Disclaimer: was a short flight, lax to slc. Posting because although they were super nice on the phone and send an email with details on approved items we could bring on flight, there was no special line or assistance at the airport. Totally worth a call to calm your worries or anxiety about flying with supplies but just putting it out there so other folks know you might just get extra info and not the same treatment as the original poster.

We also got one gate pass at each airport so someone could come through and help us. In addition, JFK put a meet and assist flag on our ticket so we had help when we got off the plane coming home. That was huge. They still had to go through normal security but it was an extra set of hands to help us.

We used TSA Cares when we flew over Christmas break at the Kansas City & Orlando airports. Getting through TSA was a wonderful experience (seriously!)! I would highly encourage any T1 family to use this free service. We called 48 hours in advance, then called on our shuttle ride to the airport when we were 15 minutes out. We were greeted by a TSA agent at the curbside check in. We were escorted to the front of the TSA line (walked past everyone and entered in the priority entrance), we were then escorted to the front of the x-ray line (passed everyone else again), and had one agent support us as they hand examined our T1 gear. We were flying with a 5yo and 10yo both T1 with over 10 days of supplies (Pods, Dex, sensors, juices – a lot, and all the gear (liquid adhesives, removers, etc.). It was so smooth! Our TSA Cares agents were very familiar with T1Ds and their needs. We were through the entire TSA process from beginning to end at the Orlando airport was 12 minutes and that was on one of their peak travel days. The TSA Cares agent told us that they have been told there are not enough families using TSA Cares and that the program is at risk of being canceled. We had such a positive experience and wanted to pass it along.

** While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, there are several negative reviews. Some airports are not as efficient or knowledgeable about TSA Cares as others. Also, some have mentioned that although they arranged the service ahead of time, no one from TSA ever showed up at the airport to meet the travelers. If you ever have any issues, you can ask any TSA Officer for a passenger support specialist. If they are unable to help you, you may call the helpline or ask for a supervisor. 

For information about Accessibility at: *Orlando International Airport (MCO) please see their webpage Getting Around MCO . *Los Angeles Int’l Airport (LAX) please see their webpage Traveler Information for Persons with Disability . *John Wayne/Santa Ana Airport (SNA) please see their webpage Helping Hands .

Airline information.

TSA Cares will assist special needs travelers through security, but what if you need help getting between security and the gate, boarding your flight, deplaning and getting from the gate to baggage claim?

You may request special assistance at the airport through the airline you are flying.  There are no uniform worldwide standards when it comes to passengers needing assistance. In the United States, the responsibility of assisting passengers falls to the airlines.

The  Air Carrier Access Act  of 1986 prohibits commercial  airlines  from discriminating against passengers with disabilities.

When booking your flights, you should advise the airline that you will be needing assistance. There are some standard codes (called IATA codes) that all the airlines use  that you may see on your ticket. However, there may be some slight variations between the different airlines.

Airline Special Assistance Webpage and Contact information

Each airline has their own policies regarding Passengers with Special Needs. Find your airline below to read their policy.

American Airlines

800-433-7300

United Airlines

Accessibility Desk: 800-228-2744

Southwest Airlines

1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)

1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583).

888-247-2262

Alaska Airlines

Accessible Services Line: 800-503-0101

Delta Airlines

404-209-3434

Frontier Airlines

801-401-9004

Spirit Airlines

801-401-2222

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Exceptional Vacations Provides High Quality Vacations for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Exceptional Vacations’ trips provide a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and socialization in a safe and fun atmosphere. We have a professional staff committed to providing our travelers with the experience of a lifetime. We ensure a safe environment with an emphasis on inclusion.

Our tours are all inclusive. Vacationers only need to bring the desire for a new and rewarding experience.

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Exceptional Vacations provides pre-planned, all-inclusive and supervised tours for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilites.  These trips allow travelers to meet new friends in a safe and fun atmosphere.

If one of the supervised tours does not meet your needs, we can design a custom travel package for your group travel. Our experience gives us the expertise to put together wonderful trips for special needs travelers.

All of our trips open doors for travelers with disabilities to experience everything the world has to offer.

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We are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality of services.  We know planning vacations can be difficult and time consuming.  We make it easy and worry free!

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7 tips for a fun family trip with special-needs kids.

By Dinah Eng

December 27, 2019

Tracy Jensen has six children; one son has spina bifida, and her daughter has cerebral palsy. Both use wheelchairs. 

“When we fly, some airlines are not as careful as others with wheelchairs,” says Jensen, who lives in Fountain Valley, California. “It’s a huge struggle getting down a plane’s aisle, and it’s hard to use the small restrooms.”

As a mother of children with special needs, Jensen is not alone in facing such travel hurdles. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, one in six children ages 3 to 17 have one or more developmental disabilities nationwide, and still more face other challenges. Conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, a visual or hearing problem, or mobility issues can feel like obstacles to travel.

They don’t have to be, says Dr. Arthur Lavin, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. “Family vacations are a gift parents give to their kids,” he says. “As important as it is to share the world with typically developed children, it’s also important for special-needs children to have adventures and fun.”

Preparation can help make family vacations go smoothly

For Houston-based Lillian Howard, traveling with a son, who has Down syndrome, and two older children means planning activities for everyone.

“They all like zip lining and anything to do with water and the beach,” Howard says. “When the fireworks at Disney World were too loud for Mark, we just watched them from the hotel.”

These parents agree that despite challenges, family vacations are worth the effort. “The more prepared and patient you are, the less stressed you’ll be,” Jensen advises. “Don’t be afraid to travel.”

Los Angeles–based Dinah Eng is a contributing writer for Fortune and Emmy magazines .

Tips and resources for families with special-needs children

1. When flying, fill out a TSA Notification Card and contact TSA Cares (855-787-2227) 72 hours prior to your flight to request the aid of a Passenger Support Specialist , who can take the family to the head of the security checkpoint line and facilitate screening. Free.

2. Contact Wings for Autism/Wings for All , which offers a “practice run” at airports for those with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Participants practice entering the airport, getting boarding passes, and boarding a plane. Free.

3. Note that several major theme parks—including Disney , SeaWorld , and Universal Studios sites in California and Florida—offer assistance passes, which can cut wait times for rides. Rules differ.

4. Seek destinations that are autism-certified , which means workers in the resort or theme park have been trained in autism awareness.

5. Use a travel agent who’s knowledgeable about accessible travel to help you book lodging that’s wheelchair accessible and offers adaptive sports.

6. Consider places designed for special-needs children, such as Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas. Adult admission, $17; ages 3–17, $11; guests with special needs, free. 

7. Check out these websites: specialneedstravelmom.com , from Karin Sheets, mother of a special-needs daughter, and emerginghorizons.com , by accessible-travel expert Candy Harrington.

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What federal education data shows about students with disabilities in the U.S.

Public K-12 schools in the United States educate about 7.3 million students with disabilities – a number that has grown over the last few decades. Disabled students ages 3 to 21 are served under the federal  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) , which guarantees them the right to free public education and appropriate special education services.

For Disability Pride Month , here are some key facts about public school students with disabilities, based on the latest data from the  National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) .

July is both Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To mark these occasions, Pew Research Center used federal education data from  the National Center for Education Statistics  to learn more about students who receive special education services in U.S. public schools.

In this analysis, students with disabilities include those ages 3 to 21 who are served under the federal  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) . Through IDEA, children with disabilities are guaranteed a “free appropriate public education,” including special education and related services.

The 7.3 million disabled students in the U.S. made up 15% of national public school enrollment during the 2021-22 school year. The population of students in prekindergarten through 12th grade who are served under IDEA has grown in both number and share over the last few decades. During the 2010-11 school year, for instance, there were 6.4 million students with disabilities in U.S. public schools, accounting for 13% of enrollment.

The number of students receiving special education services temporarily dropped during the coronavirus pandemic – the first decline in a decade. Between the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years, the number of students receiving special education services decreased by 1%, from 7.3 million to 7.2 million. This was the first year-over-year drop in special education enrollment since 2011-12.

The decline in students receiving special education services was part of a 3% decline in the overall number of students enrolled in public schools between 2019-20 and 2020-21. While special education enrollment bounced back to pre-pandemic levels in the 2021-22 school year, overall public school enrollment remained flat.

These enrollment trends may reflect some of the learning difficulties and health concerns students with disabilities and their families faced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic , which limited or paused special education services in many school districts.

Many school districts struggle to hire special education professionals. During the 2020-21 school year, 40% of public schools that had a special education teaching vacancy reported that they either found it very difficult to fill the position or were not able to do so.

Foreign languages (43%) and physical sciences (37%) were the only subjects with similarly large shares of hard-to-fill teaching vacancies at public schools that were looking to hire in those fields.

While the COVID-19 pandemic called attention to a nationwide teacher shortage , special education positions have long been among the most difficult for school districts to fill .

The most common type of disability for students in prekindergarten through 12th grade involves “specific learning disabilities,” such as dyslexia.  In 2021-22, about a third of students (32%) receiving services under IDEA had a specific learning disability. Some 19% had a speech or language impairment, while 15% had a chronic or acute health problem that adversely affected their educational performance. Chronic or acute health problems include ailments such as heart conditions, asthma, sickle cell anemia, epilepsy, leukemia and diabetes.

Students with autism made up 12% of the nation’s schoolchildren with disabilities in 2021-22, compared with 1.5% in 2000-01.  During those two decades, the share of disabled students with a specific learning disability, such as dyslexia, declined from 45% to 32%.

The percentage of students receiving special education services varies widely across states. New York serves the largest share of disabled students in the country at 20.5% of its overall public school enrollment. Pennsylvania (20.2%), Maine (20.1%) and Massachusetts (19.3%) serve the next-largest shares. The states serving the lowest shares of disabled students include Texas and Idaho (both 11.7%) and Hawaii (11.3%).

Between the 2000-01 and 2021-22 school years, all but 12 states experienced growth in their disabled student populations. The biggest increase occurred in Utah, where the disabled student population rose by 65%. Rhode Island saw the largest decline of 22%.

These differences by state are likely the result of inconsistencies in how states determine which students are eligible for special education services and challenges in identifying disabled children.

The racial and ethnic makeup of the nation’s special education students is similar to public school students overall, but there are differences by sex.  About two-thirds of disabled students (65%) are male, while 34% are female, according to data from the 2021-22 school year. Overall student enrollment is about evenly split between boys and girls.

Research has shown that decisions about whether to recommend a student for special education may be influenced by their school’s socioeconomic makeup, as well as by the school’s test scores and other academic markers.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published April 23, 2020.

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Our goal is to enable orphanages to meet basic needs, and to promote comprehensive programs that help orphans grow to be healthy and independent adults. 

Orphanage for children with special needs in Shatura, Moscow Region

The Orphanage of Shatura provides 1st to 9th grade education to 182 students with special needs. Living conditions at the school had not been improved since its establishment in the 1960s. In 2017, RCWS sponsored the installation of 27 new windows in the classrooms and children’s bedrooms in the orphanage. In 2018, RCWS sponsored the replacement of 36 remaining old windows with new, insulated windows, totaling $11,919. We are thrilled that during this cold winter the small residents at the Orphanage in Shatura are living and studying in a much warmer and healthier environment because of the new windows. 

In 2019, RCWS provided funding in the amount of $15,111 to equip the school at the orphanage with computers and multi-media equipment to help children with special needs to learn and better comprehend information through visual elements.

In September 2020, RCWS awarded $7,056 to the Orphanage in Shatura to renovate and upgrade 3 bathrooms, making them more accessible and comfortable for children with disabilities, as well as meet the requirements of the Department of Sanitation.

Over 30% of children at the Shatura Orphanage require wheelchairs to move around. The Orphanage needed assistance to expand its doorways and install the new doors, allowing children in the wheelchairs to move freely in the facility, attend classes and interact with other children. In 2021, RCWS allocated $10,429 to install 28 doors and 18 doorways to better accommodate the children with special needs at the Shatura Orphanage.

In 2022, RCWS awarded $8,878 to improve the Orphanage’s facility and create more homelike environment, including renovation work - to put new wallpaper, lay linoleum, and paint the ceiling.

In addition to financial support, every year starting December 2016, the RCWS Moscow team and volunteers have been delivering Christmas gifts to children living at the Orphanage in Shatura.

Pervomaiski Orphanage for children with special needs, Kostroma region

Pervomaiski the only orphanage in the Kostroma region for children with special needs and currently houses and provides education to 83 children ages 4 to 18. The children there have serious mental and/or physical disabilities so it is the objective of the orphanage to assist with social adaptation, to help the children to have a more positive attitude and outlook on life, provide medical care, and to engage the children in sports and other activities.

In 2018 a total of 31 windows were replaced thanks to the RCWS support, which will improve insulation, making the living facilities warmer and healthier for children.

In 2019, RCWS provided $11,503 to fund the complete renovation of the orphanage’s living facilities including putting down new floors and repainting walls and ceilings.

Due to COVID-19 outbreak, the orphanage required funding to purchase the disinfectants and personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of coronavirus (3 caregivers got infected with COVID-19 but thanks to the proactive rules and guidelines, the virus did not spread to the children). In 2020, RCWS provided $3,312 towards the requested protective equipment to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

In 2021, RCWS awarded $8,130 to the Orphanage to install 26 new windows.

Krasnogorodsky Orphanage, Pskov Region

The Krasnogorodsky Orphanage, established in 1988, currently houses 103 children between the ages of 6 and 20 with various health issues. The city center of Pskov is located almost 160 kilometers from the orphanage. In the past RCWS sponsored a new car for the orphanage to drive the children to the city hospital for treatment, check-ups and prophylactic procedures.

In 2018, RCWS provided funds ($7,062) to establish the Vocational Training Center to provide professional job training to the students, improve carpentry and plaster-painting workshops by acquiring vocational training equipment and supplies to motivate students. This Center helps to prepare students to live independently and teaches them carpentry and painting/plastering skills. 

In 2021, RCWS provided $5,220 towards the project "Home Kitchen" to teach children independent living skills, how to cook and calculate food budget, introduce to a profession of a chef as a possible future trade, and basics of healthy eating. RCWS assistance was allocated to purchase furniture, appliances and consumables for equipping the kitchen and dining room at the Orphanage.

In 2022, RCWS allocated $5,000 towards the project "Learning to live independently", focused on helping students with special needs, left without parental care, to develop skills important for independent life, social integration, communication with others. RCWS aid covered purchase of furniture, equipment, kitchen utensils, etc. The program includes psychological and pedagogical support of students, providing them with accommodation in a two-room apartment located in the orphanage. This project allows children to feel independent, since soon they will have to take care of themselves, solve numerous problems, buy food, cook, wash clothes, organize their leisure, etc.

Potma Orphanage for children with special needs, Mordovia

In 2018 RCWS received a request for help from the Potma Orphanage for children with severe disabilities.  Lost in the woods of Mordovia, the Orphanage needed to upgrade their territory and roads near the facility to allow kids to go outdoors in their wheel-chairs. This renovation was completed in the fall of 2018 and included the construction of pedestrian roads, a parking area, the greening of the territory, and upgrading the recreational areas. We are happy to report that thanks to the RCWS and our donors’ support ($10,000 in direct donations) the territory outside the Potma Orphanage has become much more accessible for the children who can now enjoy the fresh air, moving and playing outside.

The orphanage urgently needed to replace its roof which leaked and let cold air into the building. In 2019, RCWS provided $20,000 to replace the roof before the onset of winter.

In 2020, RCWS awarded $17,340 to the orphanage to build an outdoor playground and a summer house to allow children spend more time outside, which will have multiple health benefits. With a cozy place outdoors, constantly bedridden children with special needs would be able to enjoy fresh air throughout the year. In addition, the RCWS funding will cover the requested  protective gear, non-contact thermometers and disinfectants to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In 2021, RCWS granted $18,955 to the Orphanage towards the exterior façade insulation and repairs. The Orphanage building’s walls had multiple defects allowing the cold air to enter the building facilities during the cold winter months.

In 2022, RCWS granted $9,862 to the Orphanage towards the linens and non-perishable foods, such as sugar, salt, vegetable oil, groats and juices.

Opochka Specialized Orphanage, Pskov Region

The RCWS recently helped the Opochka Specialized Orphanage in Pskov acquire agricultural equipment to increase the yield of the orphanage’s garden and empower the 98 students living on the grounds with practical skills. Most of the children at the orphanage have suffered from a lack of love, family, warmth and recognition and Opochka offers them a family-like atmosphere that forges camaraderie amongst the teachers and children. 

In 2019, RCWS provided $7,600 to Opochka Orphanage to help fund “Steps to a future profession,” a project that aims to create opportunities for children’s vocational training and socialization. RCWS’s grant allows the orphanage to obtain tools and equipment crucial for creating the vocational training workshops that will prepare children for future independent life, help them find employment, and teach them to provide for themselves and their future families.  

In 2021, RCWS allocated $6,730 towards the project "Practice-oriented platform" to improve children’s communication and computer skills, equip the classroom with multifunctional furniture and digital equipment to facilitate remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. RCWS aid covered ergonomic modular furniture helping to transform the room for various tasks, an interactive whiteboard, a projector and a computer to navigate the online education.

In order to store medication for children, the orphanage needs to purchase a refrigerator. Some furniture is missing in the children’s living room (sofa, TV), which will help to create a home like environment and make it more comfortable for the children. In 2022, RCWS provided $5,147 to improve conditions of the living /group rooms at the orphanage where children spend a lot of their time.

Pytalovo Specialized Ophanage/Center for Special Education #2, Pskov Region

The Pytalovo Specialized Orphanage currently houses 57 children, ages 4 to 19, who are deaf or have hearing impairments of varying degrees that warrant specialized approaches with regard to their education and development. The RCWS has supported the orphanage since 2006, sponsoring the specialized equipment to improve children's education, their speech and pronunciation, spark their motivation to study and offer corrective education and development.

Recently, the orphanage requested assistance to purchase a speech therapy system “Speech Kaleidoscope” to improve children’s ability to cover the school program, better communicate and adapt. The “Speech Kaleidoscope” equipment will be installed in the speech therapy room and used in individual sessions with children who are deaf or have hearing loss. In addition to children at the orphanage/ Center for Special Education #2, at least 50 other children from the region who are hearing impaired will use the “Speech Kaleidoscope”. in 2020, RCWS approved $6,035 towards the "Speech Kaleidoscope" equipment. 

Dudinsk Orphanage, Taymyr Island, Krasnoyarsk region

It is the northernmost orphanage in Russia, serving orphans and children left without parental care. In 2021, RCWS provided $7,867 to purchase 10 new computers and multimedia equipment to facilitate online education programs.

Orphanage “Pechora Center Assisting Children Left without Parental Care”, Pskov Region

The Orphanage “Pechora Center Assisting Children Left without Parental Care” currently houses 60 children ages 3 to 18 years old.

In 2021, RCWS provided $5,322 to help equip the training apartment “My Home”. At the training apartment children will learn how to live in a household, how to cook and use appliances, host their guests, manage their time, gain social skills, etc. Teachers monitor the students living at the training apartment.

In 2022, RCWS allocated $5,000 to equip 5 groups of students with technical means to improve distance learning and computer literacy of children, covering the cost of 5 computers, 3 printers and presentation remotes.

Orphanage “Velikie Luki Center Assisting Children Left without Parental Care”, Pskov Region

In 2021, RCWS awarded $5,375 towards the “Agricultural Basic Skills” project at the Orphanage to prepare children for independent life in rural areas. Currently, 90% of the students at the Orphanage are teenagers, who upon graduation will live in the rural area.

Pushkinogorodsky Orphanage, Pskov Region

Currently, 85 children study at the Pushkinogorskiy Orphanage, of which 52 students live at the orphanage. The Pushkinogorodsky Orphanage is the only institution in the Pskov region that offers treatment to children who have been exposed to tuberculosis.

In 2017, RCWS sponsored the art workshops and vocational training programs to encourage creativity and learn professional skills among 143 children residing at the Pushkingorodsky orphanage.

Students, who live at the orphanage, have limited opportunities to develop skills necessary in everyday life. In 2022, RCWS allocated $5,000 to equip a living room at the orphanage allowing children to obtain independent living skills, practice different tasks of everyday life, learn how to use home appliances, improve socialization of students.

Bobrovsky Orphanage for Children with Special Needs, Pskov Region

Bobrovsky Orphanage for children with special needs currently houses 70 children between the ages of 4 to 19. Only 3% of children at the Bobrovsky Orphanage are visited by their parents twice a year.

RCWS supported the orphanage since 2007. For example, in 2009 RCWS awarded $7,193 towards the project “Clean Water”, improving the quality of water at the Bobrovsky Orphanage facility.

Majority of the children at the orphanage have serious speech impairment issues, require constant supervision and care, and often are unable to live independently. The Orphanage requested funding to create a “Training Apartment” to teach children independent living skills, how to cook, proper hygiene, cleaning the apartment, accepted norms of behavior, social adaptation, etc. The space will include a foyer, living room, kitchen, art workshop room, and a bathroom. All the rooms have been renovated. In 2020, RCWS provided $6,000 towards the furniture and necessary equipment to have the project “Training Apartment” up and running.

Opochka School and Orphanage, Pskov region

The Opochka Orphanage provides education and care to over 100 children. In addition to the main classes, children spend time in playrooms, learn to interact with their friends, watch movies, and read books. The playrooms at the orphanage were equipped a long time ago; the furniture was worn out and needed to be replaced. To create comfortable conditions for children, it was necessary to purchase new furniture, tables, carpets, etc.

In 2022, RCWS provided $5,000 to the Orphanage to replace furniture at the orphanage’s playrooms.

Vologda Center to assist orphaned children, Vologda Region

The Vologda Center main areas of activity include the housing and upbringing of orphaned children and children left without parental care; placing children into foster families; training programs for future foster parents; reintegration work with the child’s biological family.

In 2019, RCWS provided funding in the amount of $10,000 to cover the cost of replacing 35 old windows in the center’s two buildings in order to improve living conditions for the 72 children who live there.

Krasnogorodsky Orphanage “AgroSchool”, Pskov Region

Solba Orphanage

The Nikolo-Solbinsky Orphanage (Solba) is a unique facility that provides girls with food, clothes and medical treatment as well as a progressive secondary education with an emphasis on health and the arts. Currently, 95 girls (from 6 months to 18 years of age) reside at the Solba Orphanage and this number continues to grow. The Solba, whose mission is to inspire and educate a rising generation of women to be spiritually and physically healthy and contribute to society, has governmental accreditation and is widely admired for its extensive arts program. The orphanage is located in the woods, a healthy environment where the girls eat naturally grown food supplied by Solba’s own farm.

RCWS has been supporting the Solba Orphanage since 2010. In 2015, RCWS awarded a grant for the purchase of art supplies, teaching materials, as well as funds to cover the orphanage’s heating and electricity costs. In 2016, RCWS awarded a grant to cover the costs of heat, electricity, boiler maintenance and office equipment. In 2017, RCWS sponsored the embroidery and sewing equipment allowing the Solba College to launch the sewing department. Currently, over 300 children are enrolled at the Solba College. Among the students are orphans that reside at Solba and children from low income families from local villages.

The objective of the Solba College is to provide their students with a profession and skills set that would allow them to have a job and a source of income in the future. Sewing and embroidery are very popular trade professions in Russia’s rural areas. In addition to college major, the sewing and embroidery equipment would allow to make clothing for the children at Solba, costumes for their theater and children’s choir. It would generate additional earned income from sales of ordered clothes and embroidery pieces to cover some of the Solba Orphanage on-going expenses (food, heating, etc). 

In 2019, RCWS provided two grants to Solba totaling $31,500 to fund electricity, gas, art supplies, books, and embroidery equipment including supplies and specialized computer software. The students were trained in the computer-aided design process and are now able to design unique embroidered pieces that they can sell to generate income to support the orphanage.

In response to the orphanage SOS request, in early 2020 RCWS provided an emergency  assistance ($15,000) to cover Solba’s electricity and heating  expenses to avoid the termination of services during winter due to accumulated debt.

Recently, the Solba established a Medical Center, which includes the offices of a physician, pediatrician, ENT, ultrasound, gynecologist, neurologist, dentist, and physiotherapist. In 2021, the Solba’s Medical Center received a license allowing it to provide medical care. The Solba’s Medical Center provides assistance and treatment free of charge to those who need it. In 2022, RCWS allocated $15,758 towards the physiotherapy equipment for the Solba’s Medical Center.

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7 ways to travel more sustainably.

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Sustainable travel can be fun, rewarding and not at all challenging

Sustainable travel is surging in popularity, but what does it mean? The vague term can refer to traveling in a way that’s conscientious of the environment and local communities, leaving less of an impact on a destination and perhaps even bettering the location in the process. Sustainable tourism, in many ways a reaction to overtourism, helps protect the planet, to ensure destinations are liveable and worth visiting for years to come. And while travel can certainly takes its toll, creating carbon emissions, waste and more, responsible tourism is an essential step in protecting the planet.

Sustainable Travel Tips

Responsible tourism helps the environment by limiting ecological impact, supporting indigenous wildlife, respecting cultural heritage, and not taking away from a destination as a visitor, be it removing a shell from a beach or littering on a hiking trail. Plenty of responsible travel itineraries are easily replicable, but many trips can be adapted to be more sustainable. There are so many ways, big and small, to travel more responsibly and sustainably. Here’s how to start:

1. TSA-Friendly Doesn’t Need To Be Earth Hostile

You can buy single use and tiny versions of pretty much every care product these days, but do you actually need to? Opt for refillable travel bottles to decant your normal products into, and you’ll always have TSA-friendly bottles of shampoo, lotion, whatever you need at the ready. If you prefer to travel without liquids, consider switching to bars of shampoo and conditioner toothpaste powder and other products, which are eco-friendly wherever you are.

Planning ahead can be a major factor in sustainable travel

2. Opt For Public Transit

Public transportation — buses, trains, light rail, etc. — is always more sustainable than a private ride. If possible, use public transit to get to and from your destination and learn your destination’s public transit system to navigate while you explore. Not only will you likely save money as well as lower your carbon footprint, you’ll get a taste of how locals live. If public transit isn’t an option, consider booking shared rides to the airport and excursions, or renting an electric or hybrid vehicle if driving solo is the only option.

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New google play biometrics warning issued to all android users, apple watch series 9 hits all time low special offer price, 3. pack for low waste experiences.

A bit of planning ahead can save considerable landfill waste. Bringing a reusable coffee cup for morning coffee runs and reusable water bottle will hopefully cut down the amount of single-use items you purchase on the go. Other easy to pack items including a reusable travel utensil set, reusable straws and reusable earplugs can help avoid creating more waste on the road. If you’re someone who discards beach reads, consider switching to an e-reader. Pack tote bags to carry souvenirs or other items purchased on the road that won’t require disposable plastic bags.

4. Eat Conscientiously

Eating local is the best way for your diet to support local eco-systems. Not only does dining at independent, small businesses (e.g. not chains), support local business people, but can often have lower environmental impact than major franchised restaurants that ship ingredients and supplies across the country. Making lower impact choices, including eating mostly plant-based, when possible, can also make travel a bit greener. If you don’t have anything to do with leftovers, consider ordering with a bit more restriction so you aren’t creating an excess of food waste.

Local culinary experiences can be healthy, fulfilling and sustainable

5. Book A Sustainable Hotel

Staying at a property dedicated to sustainability can make a big impact, especially by showing the travel industry that this is a priority for hospitality. Hotels are offered various certifications to prove their sustainable status, which can be achieved as a remote eco-lodge or luxury property in a major city. Several hotels are seeking LEED certification , the Green Hotels Association has a collection of vendors who prioritize sustainability, and the Leading Hotels of the World has a sustainability collection of five star properties.

6. Buy Carbon Offsets

While we technically can’t undo the damage we cause to the environment, there are initiatives to at least mitigate it. Carbon offsets allow consumers to compensate for their carbon footprint by funding projects that reduce carbon dioxide pollution. CoolEffect.org can help you decide how much to give, based on trip itinerary and logistics. For example, to offset air travel, a roundtrip, 6-hour flight would add about 1.89 tons of CO2 per passenger, and $31.17 of carbon offsets would help mitigate that.

Some airlines offer the option to purchase carbon offsets alongside airfare

7. Slow Down Your Travel

Slow travel is a buzzword that’s emerged in the 2020s, when work and leisure travel aka bleisure have melded more than ever, and the concept of working and even socializing remotely is totally normalized. Rather than a quick jaunt back and forth, slow travel emphasizes taking your time with tourism, be it living in a rental property for a month and enjoying the sights on the weekends, going backpacking, biking or hiking for an extended off the grid period, or traveling via train instead of air. Slow tourism has been proven to have a positive environmental impact .

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The Delta-Aeromexico Joint Cooperation Agreement (JCA) is expanding its operations between the United States and Mexico, marking a significant milestone in the aviation industry. Delta and Aeromexico recently celebrated the launch of their new service between Boston (BOS) and Mexico City (MEX) during a ceremony at Logan International Airport. This highly anticipated route, operated by Aeromexico, marks the airline's return to the Massachusetts capital. 

To celebrate this milestone, authorities and special guests gathered for an event at Logan International Airport, including Todd Smith, Director of Aviation Operations for Massport; Felipe Cuellar, Deputy Consul of Mexico in Boston; John Angel, Managing Director of Airport Operations for Delta; and Jose Zapata, Vice President of Sales for North America & Latin America at Aeromexico. 

As part of the celebration, customers who flew on the first flight to Mexico received commemorative gifts as a thank-you for being part of this important event. 

As the Delta-Aeromexico JCA continues to expand its operations, it reinforces its commitment to providing a seamless travel experience and strengthening the connection between the United States and Mexico, our country’s second largest trading partner.  

With a focus on safety, comfort, convenience and customer satisfaction, this partnership is poised to shape the future of cross-border air travel, offering travelers more options and opportunities to explore the rich cultures and destinations of both nations. 

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Not finding what you need?

Where To View the 2026 Eclipse

A mongst the buzz for the 2024 solar eclipse , travelers have already been gearing up to get a good view of the next alignment event. The total solar eclipse of April 8th was marked with millions of people scrambling to acquire special eclipse glasses, so they could avoid eye damage from viewing the event. The 2024 eclipse passed over North America so people in Mexico, the United States and Canada got great views of it. But not everyone got to view the stunning sight, even though plenty of people prepared to make the most of the eclipse. 

So people online are already trying to ensure they have their viewing gear. But eclipse prep has a lot to do with being in an ideal viewing place , especially for the next one. The next eclipse will pass over Europe, according to NASA. The next total solar eclipse will be Europe’s 1st in 27 years. This fact is more than enough for people all over the world to get excited about the event. Plenty of people are planning to travel just to see it. Check out where travelers need to go to see the next total solar eclipse of 2026. 

The Next Solar Eclipse

NASA has predicted that there will be another total solar eclipse n August 12th 2026. Eclipse chasers and astronomy fans are encouraged to make an event of the 2026 eclipse. Some people may even need to plan a strategic trip overseas since only a partial eclipse will be visible in some places. Learn more about the destinations that are set to be the ideal places to see the next total solar eclipse. 

Greenland 

Greenland is a location that allows visa-free tourism for U.S. passport holders. But in general, travelers can visit without a visa. They just need to hold a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months after exiting the country. Travelers can only stay for up to 90 days.  

So for the people who got to see the best views of the 2024 eclipse, there is no reason to miss out on the next one. So, this destination is a place that will not be very hard to plan a visit to. The estimated weather during August of 2026 should be around 40 degrees (fahrenheit). Greenland also does not get much sun during this time. This means that travelers visiting Greenland for the eclipse of 2026 should like the cold. 

Iceland 

Iceland also allows tourism without a visa. Iceland requires that travelers have sufficient funds and have a returning flight ticket. People can stay in Iceland for up to 90 days for either tourism or business reasons. 

Near the west end of Iceland is said to be the best place to observe an eclipse. There are sure to be special eclipse tours around the area so travelers should keep a lookout for unique experiences. Iceland has views of another natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights, so travelers may get to see both in one trip. 

Spain 

Spain is another destination where travelers can freely visit without a visa. Travelers can enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business. The passports of travelers must be valid for at least three months after the predicted travel. 

There has even been talk of cruises near Spain. The eclipse will definitely make a welcome addition to the unforgettable coasts of Spain. But if travelers want to be on the beach while they gaze at the stars, they should make sure they are on the northern and southeastern coasts. The chances of a clear sky are the best in northern Spain. 

Portugal 

Finally, travelers are free to enjoy a tourism visit to Portugal visa free. This is possible due to the Schengen Agreement , which applies to all of the listed eclipse locations. Since the visa free travel is applicable to all of the eclipse viewing locations, a European tour might be ideal. 

Things To Know

There will be changes that apply to travelers from the United States to Europe starting 2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require electronic preauthorization for travel. This will apply to all four of the viewing countries.