What is the Sunflower lanyard worth?

The Sunflower lanyard is a private recognition symbol that is widely used in Great Britain. It shows staff that someone may need extra time, support or understanding.

Aena recognises the lanyard as a symbol of private initiatives and associations. For the designated security lanes it is expressly not enough.

Which badge does Aena require?

Aena runs its own system for passengers with non-visible disabilities. The official «Distintivo de discapacidades invisibles» shows airport staff that someone needs support.

Anyone wearing it may use the security lane for families and persons with reduced mobility (PMR). According to Aena, accompanying persons may also use the family and PMR security lane when the affected person wears the badge.

What the badge cannot do

The Aena badge is not a fast track. It guarantees neither a preferred order at the entrance to the security lane nor assistance to the aircraft.

It also does not exempt anyone from mandatory security or entry procedures. Travellers continue to follow staff instructions and comply with all security rules.

How do you apply for the badge?

Travellers apply on the official Aena website. According to «Gazette Life», the badge is valid only once, on the day of the stated flight, and does not have to be worn visibly throughout the stay.

The Aena information names no fee for the application. Aena also gives no price in euros or an additional deadline in the available details.

What applies to British residents and visitors?

Anyone who wants to use the family and PMR lane in Lanzarote applies for the Aena badge before the respective flight. According to «Gazette Life», Aena names no Spanish residence as a requirement for the badge; foreign travellers can also apply for it for their specific flight.

What matters is the need of the travelling person, not their nationality.

What about personal assistance?

Anyone who needs personal assistance should also use Aena's free Sin Barreras service. The published Aena information names no new fee or changed application deadline in the available details.

European Regulation 1107/2006 obliges airport operators to provide free assistance for people with disabilities or reduced mobility. This help is preferably requested at least 48 hours before departure.

What does this mean for Lanzarote Airport?

César Manrique–Lanzarote Airport is among the airports where the Aena badge can currently be used. Travellers should apply for it before the journey for the specific flight.

If an airport has no dedicated checkpoint for families and PMR, access to the general checkpoint should be made easier where possible. Aena gives no assurance that every flight automatically has a separate checkpoint.

What remains open?

In the available information, Aena publishes no general deadline by which the badge must be applied for. There are also no statistical series on badge use or comparisons between Lanzarote and other airports.

Travellers should therefore apply for the badge before the journey and follow staff instructions at the airport. The regulatory assistance for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility is provided at no extra cost.