Wings for All 2026

WINGS FOR ALL

Washington Dulles International Airport

Saturday, April 18th from 8 AM - 12 PM

Wings for All is a free program that gives families and aviation professionals the confidence to take to the skies with ease by providing an airport “rehearsal,” as well as a presentation on the aircraft features and in-flight safety protocols. The Arc of Loudoun and The Arc of Northern Virginia partner with United Airlines and MWAA to design and carry out this program. By getting comfortable with the airport and flight experience (without actually leaving the airport) people with disabilities and their families can gain the familiarity and confidence they need to take future trips.

During this free, half-day event, people with disabilities and their families are able to familiarize themselves with the airport and travel procedures. They experience:

• Entering the airport
• The check-in process and checking bags
• Security screening
• Boarding the plane
• Preparing for take-off
• Exiting the plane

Due to limited space on the airplane, a maximum of four (4) individuals are allowed per family group onto the aircraft, including the individual(s) with disabilities and family members/support staff accompanying them to the event. If a family group has multiple individuals with disabilities, then 1 designated adult is allowed per individual with disability. Additional family members attending the event but not boarding the plane will be able to wait at the gate to welcome them upon their return.

All participants 18 years old and over are required to bring a REAL ID (marked with a star) to be allowed through security. Effective Feb 1, 2026, if you lack a compliant ID, you may use TSA ConfirmID for a $45 fee, which involves an alternative, more time-consuming verification process. More information on REAL ID can be found here. 

Airports and airplanes can be overwhelming and full of unexpected and overstimulating variables, such as bright lights, noises, TSA security screening, and crowds. Too often, there is a lack of understanding among airport and airline staff—leading to confusion on how to handle accommodations or unexpected behaviors when a flier is overwhelmed or nervous about navigating the air travel process.

Combined, these barriers lead to hesitation and fear, inhibiting participation in air travel. As a result, people can miss out on new experiences and connecting with family members and friends that live far away.

Part of living a full life in the community includes being able to travel to faraway locations for both work and pleasure. People with disabilities are entitled to this piece of community participation—just like anyone else—and should be able to navigate air transit comfortably to experience the same opportunities as every other traveler.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available - from $500 - $2,500

Questions contact ally@thearcofloudoun.org