Making Travel More Welcoming for Everyone
Beginning September 1, 2026, Wilmington Airport (ILG) is proud to participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, a global initiative designed to help make travel more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for people with non-visible disabilities.
Not every disability can be seen. A traveler may have a condition or disability that affects how they communicate, process information, navigate busy environments or manage the many steps involved in air travel.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower provides a simple, discreet way for travelers to indicate that they may need additional assistance, understanding, patience or a little more time while traveling through ILG.
What Does the Sunflower Mean?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was introduced in the United Kingdom in 2016 and has since grown into a globally recognized symbol for non-visible disabilities.
Travelers may choose to wear a green Sunflower lanyard, which simply communicates: I have a non-visible disability and may need some additional help, understanding or time.
Participation is completely voluntary. Travelers do not need to explain or disclose their disability simply because they are wearing the Sunflower.
Non-visible disabilities and conditions vary widely and may include neurological, cognitive, sensory, physical or chronic conditions. Every person's experience is different, which is why the Sunflower focuses on the individual and the assistance they may need rather than their diagnosis.
How the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Works at ILG
If you are traveling through Wilmington Airport and have a non-visible disability, you may choose to wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard.
The Sunflower helps participating airport personnel recognize that you may need additional support during your journey.
Need Assistance at ILG?
Please see your airline's gate agent if you need assistance. Tell the agent what would make your airport experience easier. Your needs are individual to you, and asking for assistance helps airport and airline personnel understand how they can best support you.
You can also look for airport personnel wearing the Sunflower lanyard or another official Sunflower item. The Sunflower is a visible sign of ILG's commitment to understanding and supporting travelers with non-visible disabilities.
Whether you need help understanding where to go, additional time to process information or simply a little extra patience, please ask.
A Sunflower Is a Signal — Not a Fast Pass
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower does not provide special privileges, expedited security screening, priority boarding or an exemption from airport, airline or Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements.
Instead, it provides something equally important: a discreet way to communicate that a traveler may need additional support.
Passengers should continue to follow normal airline check-in, security screening and boarding procedures.
If you require a specific accommodation or service, including wheelchair or mobility assistance, contact your airline to make the appropriate arrangements.
Supporting a More Accessible Travel Experience
Airports can be busy and unfamiliar environments. Check-in, security screening, announcements, crowds, changes in routine and boarding procedures can present different challenges for different travelers.
By joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, Wilmington Airport is taking another step toward creating an airport experience where travelers feel welcome and supported.
The program also complements what many travelers already appreciate about flying from ILG: a smaller, easier-to-navigate airport and a more convenient alternative to traveling through a large hub.
At Wilmington Airport, we believe a better journey begins with understanding.
See the Sunflower. Recognize the Sunflower. Ask how you can help.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower FAQ
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognized symbol that allows someone to voluntarily indicate that they have a non-visible disability or condition and may need additional assistance, understanding, patience or time.
When does the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program begin at Wilmington Airport?
Wilmington Airport (ILG) officially joins the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network on September 1, 2026.
What is a non-visible or hidden disability?
A non-visible disability is a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent to another person. Non-visible disabilities can include neurological, cognitive, sensory, physical and chronic conditions. Because every person's experience is different, the type of assistance someone needs can also vary.
Do I have to tell someone what my disability is?
No. Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is voluntary, and the Sunflower is intended to discreetly communicate that you may need additional support. You should not have to disclose your diagnosis simply because you are wearing it.
What should I do if I need assistance at Wilmington Airport?
If you need assistance while traveling from ILG, see your airline's gate agent and explain what assistance you need. You can also look for airport personnel wearing a Sunflower lanyard.
For specific accommodations such as wheelchair or mobility assistance, travelers should contact their airline.
What does it mean if an airport employee is wearing a Sunflower lanyard?
At ILG, look for personnel wearing the Sunflower as part of the airport's commitment to supporting travelers with non-visible disabilities. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask.
Does a Sunflower lanyard let me skip the TSA security line?
No. Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower does not provide expedited TSA screening or exemption from security requirements. Travelers must continue to follow all applicable TSA screening procedures.
Does wearing the Sunflower provide priority boarding?
No. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower does not automatically provide priority boarding or other special privileges. Contact your airline if you require specific boarding assistance or accommodations.
Can I wear a Sunflower lanyard that I received somewhere else?
Yes. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is an internationally recognized program used by participating airports, airlines, businesses and organizations around the world. Travelers who already have an official Sunflower lanyard may wear it while traveling through ILG.
Where can I learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
Visit the official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website to learn more about non-visible disabilities, the Sunflower symbol and participating organizations around the world.