It can be a hard time for anyone when it comes to travelling. But travelling when you have mobility issues can be a whole new level of stressful. From pre-planning to navigating various accessibility options (or lack thereof), it can be a thoroughly unenjoyable experience. Alongside living independently, we’re focusing on airports and their current, restrictive rules on wheelchair users.
Current legistation means that wheelchairs are not allowed on board a plane . This ruling has sparked a lot of debate, questioning passenger safety and dignity. Campaigns, such as the work of Flying Disabled, are asking the government to act and apply legislation. To rethink rules on travelling with a disability. Airports are often hectic, busy environments. But some prior knowledge can be useful to navigate accessible facilities, such as toilets.
Wheelchair users looking to travel by plane must have their wheelchair stored in the hold. The advice from Gov.uk outlines the importance of contacting your airline as soon as possible if you plan on travelling with a wheelchair or mobility aid. However, the impacts of being without mobility assistance are often difficult to resolve. Typically, airline policies should offer help for the boarding process, to ensure that the traveller feels safe. ABTA have found that there are currently more than 11 million disabled people in the UK. This shows the need for inclusivity.
A problem faced by travellers is that their mobility aid may not fold up, and therefore cannot be stored. This leaves the customer helpless. Chairs also damage while in motion. It questions the treatment of accessible travel and the measures in place to support it.
Campaigners suggest that a designated wheelchair zone on a plane can be a good idea. Wheelchairs can be used in the airport terminal itself. And with enough planning, we can avoid the issues on board. Asking for an aisle seat is helpful for getting to and from the toilet. This allows for mobility while flying.
Some wheelchair users are left stranded. This is because of poor communications from airlines. Organisations are working on this, as wheelchairs are the key to independence for those with a disability. And policies of the travel industry could perhaps be doing more to appreciate this.
