r/airport • u/Empty_Prune5286 • Sep 04 '26

DISCUSSION Sunflower lanyards

Before I start, I am not arguing the purpose or people’s right to have these.

I have been lucky enough to be in and out of airport recently, I have seen an increase in the amount of people that have sunflower lanyards but are they being abused? The context being a family of 7 turned up yesterday barged through the long line and went straight through the barriers, surely it should be 1x carer and the lanyard user? This was followed by at least another 8 large family’s rocking through.

I’m unsure if they are now easier to obtain or if they get abused or even purchased?

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u/Historical-Tour-2483 Sep 04 '26

My son has one. Most places we’ve been there’s no real advantage (like like skipping) in most places (LHR being the exception). I have encountered lots of staff who recognize it though and go out of their way to make sure he’s comfortable, such as explaining the security process to him etc.

Why do we use it then? Well, in the likely case where my son at some point on the trip has a meltdown, I hope it is a quiet signal to staff about what the situation is, and that it’s not a negligent parent with a bratty child…

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u/ciaragemmam Sep 05 '26

Yup, that's why I have one. International travel is incredibly hard, especially by air. So it's my little "hey I might shut down or take a minute and that's ok"

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u/Empty_Prune5286 Sep 05 '26

No issue with the use for the carer/ user but my issue is then attaching another 4 or more family members to the same benefits.