Detroit Metro unveils multisensory room catering to travelers with sensory needs

Research

Tarah Chieffi Senior writer | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Nov 13, 2024

On Friday, the Wayne County Airport Authority and Delta Air Lines introduced a new multisensory room at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). The facility is located in the Edward H. McNamara Terminal.

Similar to rooms at airports in Pittsburgh, Seattle, Kansas City, Portland, and Fort Wayne, this space is intended to provide a calm environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities or cognitive disabilities and their families. The room features calming colors, sounds, and activities designed to help travelers relax before continuing their journey.

Developed in collaboration with Delta Air Lines at a cost of nearly $500,000, the multisensory room includes spaces that aid self-regulation and relaxation. Notable features are a musical wall that produces sounds when touched and a visual stimulation wall with shapes and textures. Additional elements include a beanbag with fiber optic strands for visual input, a crash pad for anxiety reduction through deep pressure, and a tree with a cubby offering an escape from sensory input.

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Chad Newton, CEO of the Wayne County Airport Authority, stated that this addition underscores their commitment "to reducing the stress of travel and creating an inclusive environment for all of our guests." Hussein Berry, Delta's vice president of airport operations at DTW added: "Delta is proud to partner with the Wayne County Airport Authority as DTW joins the list of airports that provide a calming, supportive environment rooted in research for customers with sensory sensitivities and their families as they travel."

The multisensory room is situated across from Gate A36 behind Pandora. It operates 24/7 with a maximum capacity of six occupants. Travelers can call ahead to receive an access code.

Detroit Metro is among several U.S. airports introducing such facilities. Open Doors Organization reported over 30 airports had sensory rooms by May 2023. For instance, Kansas City International Airport unveiled its sensory room in February 2023 along with an air travel experience room for boarding practice.

Portland International Airport enhanced its sensory room in 2022 by adding airline seats donated by Alaska Airlines to simulate an airplane cabin experience. Meanwhile, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport announced plans for two terminal expansions featuring sensory rooms by 2028.

Pittsburgh International Airport recently marked five years since opening Presley's Place—a series of sensory rooms initiated by one of their staff members inspired by his son Presley—to make air travel more accessible.