Virgin Australia and Adelaide Airport are partnering to help people overcome barriers to travel with the launch of an ongoing ‘Try Before You Fly’ program.
Written by Sheree Strange, Travel Without Limits, June 25, 2025
Virgin Australia and Adelaide Airport have officially launched the ‘Try Before You Fly’ program, an ongoing initiative that provides people with disabilities and other specific needs the opportunity to experience flying before giving it a go for real.
It’s the first permanent program of its kind in Australia, refined and implemented through a series of a successful trials over the past year. When you ‘Try Before You Fly’, you get a full simulated air travel experience, from booking and check-in, to boarding and seating on an aircraft – everything except take-off. All staff and volunteers who are on hand to assist on ‘Try Before You Fly’ experiences have undergone access and inclusion training provided by What Ability, including practical scenario-based exercises.
This initiative is designed to reduce the anxiety of the unknown and help participants overcome barriers to travel, a significant step forward in making air travel more inclusive.
“Travelling by plane is an exciting time but it can also be intimidating, especially for customers living with a disability or other health considerations,” says Dermot O’Neill (Adelaide Airport Executive General Manager People, Culture and Customer). “We are delighted the ‘Try Before You Fly’ program will become an ongoing initiative to support our customers and help make air travel more accessible to more people.”
“We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all travellers. This program will run alongside other accessible travel initiatives at Adelaide Airport including our meet and assist program, hearing loops installed throughout the terminal and Facility Dog, Elmo – trained by Guide Dogs SA/NT – who spends his working hours as a reassuring presence for people with hidden disabilities who may need some support when it isn’t immediately apparent.”
The ‘Try Before You Fly’ program is an excellent addition to Adelaide Airport’s comprehensive range of accessibility support options. Find out more on the Adelaide Airport’s dedicated accessibility page.