Comments on: Travellers with disabilities should not be treated like this

By: Jessie Voigts

Jessie Voigts — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:06:57 +0000

as a disabled traveler, i am unfortunately familiar with the problems that travelers with disabilities face. it is asinine that this situation happened – but all too common, i am afraid. it definitely adds a level of difficulty to travel that is sometimes overwhelming.

thanks for talking about this!!

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By: Michelle Perrett

Michelle Perrett — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:16:35 +0000

The issue of disability is one that Travel Weekly has been monitoring closely. Travel agents have contacted us concerned about how they can book disabled passengers into the right type of accommodation. Agents feel there is a lack of information while recent research of consumers backs this up as they were concerned about the lack of information they receive from agents. Click here to read the research http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2009/02/19/30297/disabled-travellers-concerned-about-lack-of-information-from.html.
Unfortunately airlines are not covered under the Disability Discrimination Act and issues for disabled customers such as wheelchair problems and access to toilets on aircraft seem to be common.

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By: VoteAudrey

VoteAudrey — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:06:48 +0000

It’s hard to imagine that on top of that affront, the traveler would have to essentially make a case for why it is the carrier’s fault. Having worked with architecture firms that have specialists to design facilities that comply with ADA (American Disability Act) requirements, I got to see that it is actually a fairly thorough plan (in regards to design). My personal experience I suppose has always had me in the mindset of whether or not a facility is accessible for all. I’ve also volunteered here with our Special Olympics, and again, always thought about things being made open, accessible, never of damage to necessary equipment. It just seems like such a given, the airline doing the right thing, but silly me! They often fail to handle minor situations properly, why should this be different? I only know of certain advocacy groups here in the states, but are there any international organizations that could act on behalf of such victims?

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By: James Allen

James Allen — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:45:38 +0000

Darren – if you’re still looking for someone to make more of this story, you could try the BBC’s security correspondent Frank Gardner. He has written a number of travel features – we sent him to Jersey a couple of years ago – and sometimes focuses on travel for the disabled.

See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/holidaytypeshub/article-595121/Back-peak-form.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/winter_sports/7238935.stm

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By: Irv

Irv — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:02:44 +0000

I’m so glad to see so many people passionate about this issue. Wheelchairs are so expensive, and the people who use them absolutely dependent on them. If disabled travelers are forced to check their chairs, it’s unacceptable that the chairs should be treated like cheap luggage. The more publicity on the issue the better (you know what they say about the squeaky wheel and all…) so thanks for talking about it — and please, keep doing so.

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