Manchester Airport has confirmed that passengers wearing a Sunflower lanyard, a symbol for hidden disabilities, will get through security more quickly. The lanyard grants access to all lanes at departure security, including the Family and Assisted Travel lane, which can reduce wait times.
How the Sunflower Lanyard Works
The Sunflower lanyard is a discreet way for individuals with non-visible disabilities to signal that they may need extra time, patience, or understanding. According to Manchester Airport, security staff have received hidden disability awareness training and will assist passengers with any questions during the security process.
The airport states: "The Sunflower lanyard now offers access to all lanes at departure security, in addition to our Family and Assisted Travel lane. All channels at departure security offer next-generation security screening, offering a quicker, quieter and more customer-friendly process for all passengers."
Summer Travel Surge and EU Entry System
This initiative comes as airlines prepare for the busiest time of the year, with schools breaking up for summer holidays. The EU's new entry/exit system (EES) requires non-EU nationals to provide personal data, fingerprints, and a photograph, potentially causing long queues. Ryanair has warned of six-hour queues at holiday hotspots like Tenerife South, Palma, and Alicante.
How to Get a Lanyard
Passengers can pick up a Sunflower lanyard at Manchester Airport's Assistance Reception areas in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 check-in halls on the day of travel. The airport notes: "We will be happy to provide you with a lanyard, even if you feel you don’t need or haven’t booked assisted travel in advance. If you have a Sunflower lanyard already, you can use it if you wish. We are sorry, lanyards cannot be posted to you ahead of travel."
About the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was launched in 2016 to encourage inclusivity and understanding for people with non-visible conditions. According to the organization, "Some disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are not immediately obvious to others. For some people, this can make it hard to understand and believe that someone with a 'non-visible' condition genuinely needs support."
The Sunflower is now recognized in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, the UAE, and the USA.
