Poor service for disabled passengers

Last updated at 10:28 26 July 2007


Passengers

Many disabled passengers still have difficulties booking flights and boarding planes, it was revealed today.

As many as 37% of disabled people have experienced negative attitudes from flight and airport staff, a survey from disability charity Leonard Cheshire found.

And a quarter had trouble booking their flight, with 11% having to cancel or delay a trip because of problems accessing a flight.

But 58% reckoned that air travel was getting better and thought there was no significant difference in the service between scheduled airlines and budget carriers.

The results of the survey coincide with a new law coming into force making it illegal for anyone to be unreasonably denied access to a plane because they have a disability.

From next year this new European regulation will also legally entitle people to compensation if their wheelchair or other equipment is damaged. Approximately two million disabled people take flights each year.

Leonard Cheshire policy officer Annette Laidler said: "For too long disabled people have been unfairly treated and discriminated against when it comes to air travel. Disabled people are entitled to the same opportunities to travel as everybody else."

Commenting on the new rules, UK Aviation Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "The new measure coming into force later this month is only the first step in ensuring that disabled people and those with reduced mobility have the same access to air travel as others.

"The second stage, which will come into force next year, will bring further significant benefits to disabled travellers.

"When all these measures are in place, disabled passengers will be assured that they can expect a consistent and seamless level of service from airports and airlines."

Labour MEP Robert Evans, who helped bring in the new regulations, said: "It is incredible that people with reduced mobility have suffered neglect and maltreatment in airports as late as 2007. "Some UK airports have put in place admirable measures to assist people, and I welcome these efforts, but voluntary agreements are not a proper substitute for the law."

Tom Pey, director of public policy for the Guide Dogs organisation, welcomed the new rules and said he was looking forward to the introduction of the requirement that will prevent airlines from refusing to carry guide dogs in the cabin with their owners, which will be implemented in July 2008.

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