TikTok ‘sickfluencers’ are showing followers how to use sunflower lanyards to skip airport queues and gain other benefits if they have disabilities like ADHD and dyslexia.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme is designed as a ‘discreet’ signal for people with ‘non-visible’ conditions to indicate that they need extra support while out in public.
It is currently recognised by more than 300 airports and 31 airlines worldwide, including British Airways, Ryanair and EasyJet.
People can buy the lanyards online for £6 or pick them up for free at some airports. They do not appear to require proof of having a condition, leading to concerns the scheme could be open to abuse.
Some cards say ‘I am autistic’, or ‘I have ADHD’. Another says ‘I have anxiety’ and on the back reads: ‘I may be nervous or overwhelmed and find it difficult to communicate.
‘I may have physical symptoms such as trouble breathing, dizziness or sickness. Please be patient, talk calmly and ask how you can help me.’
Many people with non-visible disabilities value the lanyards for helping them navigate crowded or stressful situations but so-called ‘sickfluencers’ have faced a backlash for the way they have been promoting them.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme insisted its lanyards were helping neurodivergent people travel with ‘greater confidence, dignity and independence’ and did not give anyone an automatic right to jump queues.
A TikTok user described them as a way for people with ADHD to ‘skip all queues’ and ‘travel in the VIP lane’ at airports
A second TikToker who describes having ADHD described how the lanyard had allowed help to be ‘fast-tracked’ through security at Manchester Airport.
A TikTok user described them as a way for people with ADHD to ‘skip all queues’ and ‘travel in the VIP lane’ at airports.
‘A little tip for anyone with a disability like ADHD or something like that,’ he said.
‘You can get a sunflower lanyard and they let you through all the check-ins first, priority, like business class. So you don’t have to wait in queues for hours and hours.’
A second TikToker who describes having ADHD explained how the lanyard had allowed help to be ‘fast-tracked’ through security at Manchester Airport.
Another influencer praised Dubai Airport for allowing him access to a lounge while he was wearing one of the lanyards.
A video posted on TikTok by someone diagnosed with dyslexia said the lanyard ‘definitely made my airport navigation easier’.
She was boarding an Emirates flight at Heathrow and said her condition meant she finds the experience ‘overwhelming’ and often misses flights because she gets lost as ‘there is too much navigating’.
The traveller praised the airline for having a dedicated check-in desk, which meant she didn’t have to queue for long.
‘Most importantly, they are letting you board the plane with priority boarding and first [class] and business,’ she said.
‘This meant that when I got on I could take my time, get ready, put myself in my seat, and not worry about the hustle and bustle of everybody else getting on the plane with me.’
A Reddit thread titled ‘Helpful tip – Tell your airline you have ADHD!’ outlined all the perks one passenger got after booking with Jet2 and telling the airline they had an allergy and took ADHD medication.
They wrote: ‘Jet2 called us to find out more about my allergy. While on the phone she asked about any medication I take, which is a long list, but included my ADHD meds.
‘She then got very excited and told me that in most UK airports, and definitely with Jet2 flights, ADHD is covered as a “hidden disability” and comes with a bunch of extra accommodations for free!
‘We got our seats pre-selected, sat together. Priority boarding and disembarking. Free access to a lounge and free meals on board for both of us (not for all flights, but ours was long enough to get this).
‘She also said some airlines/airports will give you an extra bag too (we didn’t need this but she told me to ask in future).
‘So a worthwhile tip – if you’re flying and you have ADHD.. TELL THEM!!’
Another influencer praised Dubai Airport for allowing him access to a lounge while he was wearing one of the lanyards
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme is designed as a ‘discreet’ signal for people with ‘non-visible’ conditions to indicate that they need extra support while out in public
A spokesman for the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme said: ‘The Sunflower itself does not guarantee access to airport lounges, upgrades, priority boarding or fast-track services.
‘Any support arrangements are entirely at the discretion of individual airports, airlines and transport operators under their own accessibility policies.
‘Many non-visible disabilities, conditions and chronic illnesses can have a very real impact on how people experience travel. For some individuals, crowded and stimulating environments can be difficult to manage.
‘We also recognise that not every person with a non-visible disability will have a formal diagnosis. In some cases, diagnosis can take years. The Sunflower exists to encourage empathy, patience and respectful support without making people feel forced to publicly disclose personal medical details.
‘It is important that public debate does not create further stigma or discourage people with non-visible disabilities from seeking support when they need it.
‘The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower continues to help millions of people around the world travel, work and access public spaces with greater confidence, dignity and independence.’
The Daily Mail reported in April that 20,000 people a month are being referred for ADHD assessments.
This has led to long waiting periods for assessments of eight years or more.
