The importance of international travel cannot be understated, for business and leisure purposes alike. Regardless of whether you are able-bodied or disabled, it’s something that everyone should have the privilege of enjoying, without stress or upset.
Sadly, we hear from many clients with accessibility issues that haven’t received fair or considerate treatment while navigating air travel, and it’s an issue we feel strongly about, particularly as airlines often neglect what is clearly outlined in EU Regulation 261/2004.
Our client Robert Dale, a disabled grandfather from Newton Ayclife, didn’t receive the care and assistance entitled to him from easyJet, despite the fact that he was registered as disabled. After an already traumatic flight, he was left in pain to travel 300 miles from Southend to Newcastle after a break in Barcelona without assistance.
After taking the airline to task, we were delighted to recover £345.07 in flight delay compensation from easyJet under EU Regulation 261/2004, which hopefully helped Mr Dale to feel that some justice was achieved.
Coby Benson, Flight Delay Compensation Solicitor at Bott and Co says, “The regulation around delayed flight compensation is supposed to provide a high level of protection for passengers. Care and assistance is to be provided, overnight accommodation where appropriate and rerouting as soon as is practicably possible. It is unfair that people who are perhaps more vulnerable may be left alone.”
What Does EU Regulation 261/2004 Say About Helping Those With Reduced Mobility?
People with reduced mobility or special needs are entitled to help, and this is enshrined in law. Article 11 of EU Regulation 261/2004 states that “operating air carriers shall give priority to carrying persons with reduced mobility and any persons or certified service dogs accompanying them, as well as unaccompanied children.”
Furthermore, Article 9 of the regulation outlines that air carriers should pay “particular attention to the needs of persons with reduced mobility and any persons accompanying them.”
A lack of compassion and ignorance has defined a large part of disabled travel in the past, which was highlighted during an unfortunate incident in 2017.
BBC’s security correspondent Frank Gardner, whose legs are paralysed, was subjected to the indignity of being left on an easyJet flight when everybody else had disembarked.
Recalling the event, Frank said, “It happens so often… it’s just really tedious. Time and time again if the plane lands at a British airport and it’s not on an air bridge, disabled passengers like me have to wait for the high lift to come and get you off.”
But, despite some horror stories in the media, overall travel by air for those with mobility issues is becoming more straightforward, both logistically and in terms of attitudes.
Although there’s still a way to go in ensuring that travel is a positive experience for all bodies, airports and airlines have stepped up to make the idea of travelling with a physical disability less hassle.
Government Plans Work to Improve Aviation Accessibility
Disability Rights UK has stated their satisfaction at government plans to improve physical accessibility on board flights.
As of early 2018, strategies being considered include working with the aviation industry to provide better services for those with reduced mobility, such as on-board wheelchairs and priority wheelchair storage for quicker access on arrival and examining how airplane manufacturers can design aircraft to make them more accessible.
Article 9 of the regulation outlines that air carriers should pay “particular attention to the needs of persons with reduced mobility and any persons accompanying them.
Keith Richards, the Chair at Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee reinforced the need for accessibility in the air: “Many disabled people rely on essential equipment like wheelchairs for their own personal mobility. Yet wheelchairs are too-often treated in the same way as baggage.
“We welcome the move to prioritise wheelchairs and the focus that is being given to improving operational issues and future design to ensure that they are no longer treated in the same way as suitcases and golf clubs.”
International Travel With a Mobility Aid
Travelling with reduced mobility can pose issues, but planning ahead helps.
Letting the airline know at least 48 hours before your scheduled flight that you’ll need assistance boarding and disembarking flights leaves enough time to put plans into place.
At all European airports, you can receive help at specific arrival points, such as at terminal entrances, transport interchanges and in car parks.
You are also entitled to help at check in, and moving throughout the airport.
Smaller mobility aids like a crutch or collapsible walking frame can often be stored in the overhead cabin, but again it’s worth checking with the airline beforehand. It is also advised to check your airline’s wheelchair dimensions.
Airlines usually wish to be notified of an assistance dog boarding the flight at least 48 hours before take-off.
Often, only one or two larger mobility aids, such as wheelchairs are accepted on board due to space issues. If you need a wheelchair, you will be offered the choice to check your chair in with your luggage and use an airline-supplied wheelchair.
Alternatively, you can take your own chair all the way to boarding, where it will then be stowed, and given back to you on arrival at your destination.
Motorised mobility aids on board should have their batteries disconnected, with connections taped and covered so that there is no risk of short circuiting.
You also have the right to assistance if you have a temporary injury, such as if your leg is broken and in a cast.
Flying With Assistance Dogs
Firstly, if you’re wondering whether you can take your assistance dog on a flight, contact your local Guide Dogs Mobility Team, or the team that personally trained your dog.
If you’d like to travel with your dog, remember that airlines are obligated to accept assistance dogs without any extra charge.
It’s compulsory that your dog is micro-chipped, has been vaccinated for rabies – and also your precious pooch must have his or hers very own pet passport!
Airlines usually wish to be notified of an assistance dog boarding the flight at least 48 hours before take-off.
However, if this isn’t possible, airlines should still make every effort for both you and assistance dog to be accommodated.
On board, you will likely be seated in the front row due to the extra leg room, which is where your dog will sit. Your dog must wear a harness during take-off and landing.
As long as your furry friend complies with the regulations set out in the Pet Travel Scheme on international flights to other EU countries, there should be no problem taking your dog abroad.
If you are flying to somewhere outside of the EU, it’s advised that you check the quarantine laws in your arrival destination.
Bott and Co are dedicated to helping those that have been treated unfairly at the hands of an airline, with many of our clients sadly having been affected by mobility issues and a lack of help where it was necessary. We hold airlines accountable by referring back to EU Regulation 261/2004 and the care that passengers are legally entitled to.