TikTok influencers, dubbed 'sickfluencers,' are showing their followers how to use sunflower lanyards to bypass airport queues and gain other benefits, even if they have conditions like ADHD or dyslexia. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme is intended as a discreet signal for people with non-visible conditions to indicate they need extra support in public. It is recognised by over 300 airports and 31 airlines worldwide, including British Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet.
How the Scheme Works
Lanyards can be purchased online for £6 or picked up free at some airports, with no apparent requirement for proof of a condition. Some cards specify conditions like 'I am autistic' or 'I have ADHD,' while others say 'I have anxiety,' with a message on the back explaining the person may be nervous or overwhelmed.
Many individuals with non-visible disabilities value the lanyards for navigating crowded or stressful situations. However, 'sickfluencers' have faced backlash for promoting them as a way to skip queues. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme insists the lanyards help neurodivergent people travel with greater confidence and do not automatically grant queue-jumping rights.
Influencer Claims
A TikTok user described the lanyard as a way for people with ADHD to 'skip all queues' and 'travel in the VIP lane' at airports, claiming it allows priority access like business class. Another TikToker with ADHD said the lanyard fast-tracked them through security at Manchester Airport. An influencer praised Dubai Airport for granting lounge access while wearing the lanyard.
A video posted by someone with dyslexia noted the lanyard made airport navigation easier, as they find airports overwhelming and often miss flights. They praised Emirates for a dedicated check-in desk and priority boarding with first and business class, allowing them to board calmly.
Reddit Advice
A Reddit thread titled 'Helpful tip - Tell your airline you have ADHD!' detailed perks a passenger received with Jet2 after disclosing ADHD medication. The airline offered pre-selected seats, priority boarding, free lounge access, and free meals, with a suggestion that some airlines may also provide an extra bag.
Official Response
A spokesman for the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme stated: '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.'
They added: '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 Daily Mail reported in April that 20,000 people a month are being referred for ADHD assessments, leading to waiting periods of eight years or more.
