24 October 2012 Access to Airlines- Up in the Air
Since 2008, it has been illegal for airlines and holiday companies to refuse to fly people in and out of the European Union (EU) because they are disabled.
Airlines have a legal obligation to provide reasonable adjustments which are enforceable via domestic and european legislation. Airlines and airport authorities must have adequate knowledge on accessbility and provide an equal service regardless of a person's disability.
Trailblazers launched an investigation into the accessibility of airlines and airports, the results of which are published in our Up in the air report.
What we did
Over 100 disabled passengers filled out surveyed and many others shared their views at 24 regional group meetings. After venturing abroad many conducted further investigations by making phone calls and exploring the internet and shared their experiences via blogs.
Key findings
- fifty percent have problems related to disability when booking airline tickets
- half of the passengers have problems checking in a wheelchair or other mobility or health-related equipment
- six out of ten disabled passengers say their wheelchairs have been damaged when travelling with an airline
- nearly 90% disabled passengers are not confident that their wheelchair or other health-related equipment will be well cared for by airlines
- nine out of ten wheelchair users are unable to use airline toilets and therefore have to avoid drinking before or during flights
- eighty percent of wheelchair users would feel safer and more comfortable if they could travel in their own wheelchairs on board planes.
Actions needed
We are calling on airlines to:
- Work together with groups like Trailblazers and policy makers to come up with solutions for real problems experienced by disabled air passengers
- ensure that advice line operators are adequately trained and can provide high-quality advice to disabled passengers with specialist needs
- invest time, thought and energy into designs that would make it possible for wheelchairs to be secured on planes throughout a flight
- guarantee that if a disabled person has been forced to book an extra seat for a companion or carer they are able to sit next to that person
- ensure staff listen to the instructions and guidance given by passengers when lifting or carrying an individual
- be consistent, and learn from other airlines that carry wheelchairs without weight restrictions
Read more about our Trailblazers airline investigation in our report Up in the ai
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