The Sunflower Lanyard I Didn’t Expect to Notice (But I’m Glad I Did)

There are two types of people that fly: those who talk to the person beside them… and those like me who like to kick back and work.

I’m the “seatbelt clicks = laptop opens” guy.

I’ll read the tour plans, take one final look at logistics, research the species we’ll be photographing, and do a quick read-up on the attendees joining me on the upcoming tour. If there’s in-flight Wi-Fi, I’m basically running a small tour operation from seat 14A at the bulkhead window seat.

Then it’s a nap, some food, and time for me to recharge my introvert batteries. (If you see me with headphones on, that’s not a fashion choice. That’s usually a boundary.)

But on my recent flight, a woman sat down beside me, and I noticed a lanyard around her neck.

Not unusual… except this one was bright yellow with little sunflowers and the words: “Hidden Disabilities.”

Sooo… I had to ask… after all, we were together for the next 14 hours on our way to Doha.

And I’m thankful I did—because that conversation introduced me to a program I somehow missed despite living in airports for a good chunk of my adult life.

What Is the Sunflower?

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple, voluntary way for someone to signal that they live with a disability or condition that isn’t immediately obvious—and that they might need a bit more time, patience, or support while moving through public spaces.

That’s it. No explanations owed. No personal details required. Just a quiet symbol that says: Please don’t assume. Please be kind. If I look fine, I might still be struggling.

The program is recognized across many airports, airlines, transportation systems, and public-facing businesses. Participation continues to grow, and many organizations that join the program train staff to recognize the Sunflower and respond with extra care and support.

Why It Matters (Especially in Airports)

Airports can be stressful even when everything goes right. Add crowds, noise, bright lights, tight connections, long lines, and unpredictable delays—and it can become overwhelming fast.

For people living with hidden disabilities or conditions, that overwhelm can be more intense. From the outside, a person may look totally “fine.” Meanwhile, they may be managing sensory overload, anxiety, chronic pain, fatigue, or other challenges that aren’t visible to the people around them.

The Sunflower helps bridge that gap. It gives staff—and the rest of us—a chance to respond with a little more patience, awareness, and humanity.

What Airlines Are Part of It?

A growing number of airlines and airports are part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. That includes many well-known carriers and major airports around the world.

Because participation can change over time, the most accurate way to confirm which airlines and airports recognize the Sunflower is to check the official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower directory on their website. See the list of members here – https://hdsunflower.com/insights/category/news

What To Do If You See a Sunflower Lanyard

This doesn’t require a big moment. It just calls for basic human decency.

If you see someone wearing the Sunflower:

• Be patient if they need more time.
• Give space if the environment feels overwhelming.
• Offer help once in a simple, respectful way—then let it go if they decline.
• Don’t ask what their condition is. The whole point is they don’t have to explain.

Sometimes support is as small as not adding pressure to a hard moment.

Why I’m Writing About This (And Why It Matters to My Travel World)

At Akari Photo Tours, we build trips around experience—yes—but also around people.

Many of our guests are excited travelers who can handle airports with ease. Others arrive carrying stress, nerves, or challenges that aren’t obvious to anyone else. Some are navigating hidden disabilities. Some are traveling while managing something personal and private. And some are simply doing their best to get from point A to point B without the whole thing feeling like an endurance event.

If you’re joining one of my workshops, here’s what I want you to know:

• If you wear a Sunflower lanyard, you’re not asking for special treatment—you’re communicating clearly.
• If you don’t wear one, but you notice one, it’s a reminder to lead with patience.
• And if you’re traveling with someone who might benefit from extra support, this program may help make the journey smoother—especially through the most stressful pinch points of travel.

Great trips don’t start when the first wildlife sighting happens.

They start when people feel safe, respected, and not rushed through the hardest parts of getting there.

Learn More

If you want to learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program—what it is, how it works, and where it’s recognized—visit the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website and use their official directory to confirm participating airports, airlines, and organizations.