Seats open soon for 2026 “Wings for Autism” event at Tampa International Airport

After last year’s heartwarming debut at Tampa International Airport, the Wings for Autism program is ready to take flight once again, this time with an emphasis on welcoming new families to experience the magic of a “practice flight” in a supportive and understanding environment. 

Presented by The Arc Tampa Bay and The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation, this year’s Wings for Autism event will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, giving families the chance to rehearse every step of air travel, from check-in and security screening, to boarding a real plane that remains on the ground. 

Registration for the 2026 Wings for Autism at TPA opens Wednesday, June 24, at 10:00 a.m., and interest is expected to be high. To ensure access for as many families as possible, registration this year will be limited to those who were not allocated a seat during last year’s program. Available spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis among eligible registrants until event capacity is reached, with additional families placed on a waitlist. 

The decision follows an overwhelming response to the 2025 event, which saw dozens of families arrive at TPA for a day of learning, discovery, and confidence-building. Parents described the experience as “life-changing,” noting that the opportunity to practice in a calm, judgment-free space made real air travel feel possible for their children. 

Event organizer Brian Siracusa of The Arc Tampa Bay says the continued enthusiasm shows just how valuable the program has become. 

“We’re thrilled to see so many families eager to participate,” Siracusa said. “Our goal this year is to give new participants the same supportive and empowering experience that so many enjoyed last time.”

For families like the Girouds and the Hinsons, who took part in the inaugural Tampa event, the program offered more than just a day at the airport. They say it opened the door to future adventures involving air travel. Parents said the practice run helped their children feel more comfortable with airport sounds, crowds, and routines, while also giving TSA employees and airline crews valuable insight into how to better assist travelers with autism or other developmental disabilities. 

This year’s event will once again bring together Tampa International Airport, Southwest Airlines, and The Arc Tampa Bay for the community partnership focused on inclusion, awareness, and opportunity. 

Families interested in participating are encouraged to mark their calendars and register promptly when enrollment opens on June 24 at 10 a.m. Once all available seats are filled, additional registrants will be placed on a waitlist and contacted if space becomes available. 

For more information or to sign up for registration reminders, visit The Arc Tampa Bay’s Wings for Autism page.