Airplanes: Let's just start with the most difficult. If you have to travel somewhere by plane get your bags packed and your sanity ready. Traveling is stressful in itself. Add having a kiddo with special needs, and it will have you asking the flight attendant for xanax with some wine to chase it with. Here are some tips to help you when traveling with a kiddo with special needs.

First, call ahead and make arrangements (that's sort of a no brainer). Let them know ahead of time you will be traveling with a child that will require a shuttle to and from connecting flights. Even when booking a ticket online, you can go ahead and notify them you will need special assistance.
Get there early. If you were traveling solo, add double to that time.
When you check in, don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Ask for an extra set of hands, as you may have carseats, wheelchairs, and diaper bags, not to even include your own set of stuff. Set it up ahead of time, then remind them once you check in you need the assistance. This is something I encourage...don't be afraid to ask for help!! Trust me I know you guys are super parents. You think you can do it all and you can. But you don't have to. Take the help when it's there. They will usually let you board the plane ahead of time, take advantage or don't. If you know it's a long flight and you want to spend as little time as possible in the seat, board last (and let the flight attendant know). If you like to go ahead and get settled, take advantage of boarding first.
Be conscious of when booking flights that have connecting flights. Although getting there sooner would be ideal, booking connecting flights within a small window will definitely test your sanity as well as your fitness. It's difficult to book it across a crowded airport when you have a kiddo in tow. My recommendation is take the longer layover, have to time grab dinner and hangout while leisurely making it to your connections.
My biggest advice when traveling in airports is this. Screw what other people think. Don't overwhelm or frustrate yourself just because others are impatient or intolerant. If your kiddo has a meltdown, let them. If the wheel on the wheelchair gets jammed and people have to wait behind you, let them. Don't get flustered or turn red faced just because other people are pressuring you. Take some deep breaths (and bring mini bottles in your purse).
Having another travel partner will help you in this. Whether it's your husband, parent, or friend, if you are lucky enough to con a travel buddy into it with you I promise it will make for a better time. If you have to do it solo, I trust that you can.
Bring a new goodie bag for your kiddo, a backpack or purse with new toys and treats in it. Yes it's bribery ok. So what. It may ease a little anxiety they are having about traveling and gives them something to be excited about once they get on the plane. It doesn't have to be an expensive toy but something new that could keep them occupied.
Practice beforehand and start talking to them about the trip. If you are a parent of a kiddo with autism this is key. Doing the whole surprise we're going to visit grandma on an airplane the day of isn't the best approach for some kids (you know what type of kid you have and what will work). Go ahead and start prepping them with talking about it, reading social stories about it, and even researching airplanes and videos and such.
Earphones and Ipads are a great source. I get this question often from parents. "But what about minimizing the use of electronics Nicole?" I am not that therapist and I am not going to advise you for this purpose to take away electronics. Use what you can and what will work. If your kiddo likes certain technologies such as the iPad and youtube, well we may use this during this time. Not saying it has to be the first resort, but if you can sense they aren't going to make it through the flight why not cave a little to make it bearable for you and your kiddo. Just my two cents.
Use comfort items. Bring every comfort item they may need. Biggest question I get on this is "what about pacifiers?" Well if you currently aren't weaning, then definitely bring the paci along. If they have been off of the paci for a while then no need to resurface it. I wouldn't recommend using this opportunity to cut the paci just yet though.

I had a parent I worked with who had to travel to Italy where her husband currently was at. Her son had autism and she knew she was in for a long flight with a toddler, that was nonverbal, extremely active....and that had autism. When she got back she told me all about the misery of the flights, and we laughed and laughed. She knew it was going to be tough, but it was quite painful! He cried the entire 12 hour flight, had diahrrea, wouldn't eat, played with other peoples stuff, and ran the aisles. She was THAT parent and people hated her. And she didn't care. And you shouldn't either.

I believe in you. You got this. Happy Flying.

And don't forget to send me your favorite tips for flying with a special needs kiddo.