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Accessible Air Travel: Challenges and Options

Accessible Air Travel: Challenges and Options. Ann Frye Ann Frye Ltd. “When I book a plane, even months in advance, I am still not sure I am going to reach my final destination. I don’t even know if I am going to board. For persons with disabilities, travelling is still a challenge.”

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Accessible Air Travel: Challenges and Options

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  1. Accessible Air Travel: Challenges and Options Ann Frye Ann Frye Ltd

  2. “When I book a plane, even months in advance, I am still not sure I am going to reach my final destination. I don’t even know if I am going to board. For persons with disabilities, travelling is still a challenge.” StigLangvad, Executive Member, European Disability Forum Ann Frye Ltd

  3. “When I landed, there wasn't any proper equipment to take me from the aircraft to my wheelchair." • "When I returned they had to carry me onto the plane, up the steps which is not a dignified way to do things and is dangerous." • ShuaibChalklen, UN Special Rapporteur on Disability • " Ann Frye Ltd

  4. The Economic case: Accessible Tourism Ann Frye Ltd

  5. The “Grey Haired Globetrotters” • “The typical tourist in Asia used to be a young backpacker in need of a shower, but these days there are just as many older and retired people roaming the continent seeking its secrets”. Travel Weekly Asia Ann Frye Ltd

  6. “Collectively 75% of Canadians, Americans and Europeans with disabilities who are physically and financially able to travel do so with their care givers, family and friends. The current economic climate dictates that we target this emerging market." Barbados Council for Disabled People Report to Caribbean Tourism Organisation Ann Frye Ltd

  7. Getting to & from the Airport: Challenges • Lack of accessible public transport links between city centres and airports; • Limited and expensive options for people with disabilities; • Unless all links in the travel chain are complete, people cannot travel with confidence. Ann Frye Ltd

  8. Airports - Challenges • Long distances • Lack of seating • Poor signage • Absence of visual and/or audible information • Lack of assistance/ poorly trained staff • Indignity of security searches Ann Frye Ltd

  9. Aircraft - Challenges • Discriminatory policies: • Denied boarding • Requiring accompanying person • Inadequate briefing • Remote stand boarding & de-boarding • Rapid turnaround • Inaccessible washrooms • Loss or damage to mobility equipment Ann Frye Ltd

  10. Technology: Challenges • Technology is moving ahead of accessibility • Many people with disabilities cannot access: • Self service check in systems • E-gates • On-line check-in • They often have to call premium rate phone lines to get the service others get free. Ann Frye Ltd

  11. Priorities for improvement: Legislation and Enforcement • Aviation is a global business, but …. • There is legislation on access to air travel in USA, Canada and Europe, among others; but they are not wholly compatible with each other; • In many parts of the world there are no access requirements for airports or aircraft and no rights for passengers; • ICAO, ECAC and others produce standards and good practice guidance; but it is not enforceable; • Universal and compatible policies and standards would be a major advance. Ann Frye Ltd

  12. Priorities for improvement: Information • Most people are not experienced or frequent flyers; • Many of the problems result from lack of information about what air travel is like; • People don’t know what to expect so they don’t know what questions to ask • IATA codes are widely misunderstood. Ann Frye Ltd

  13. Priorities for improvement: Training • Many problems are based on staff ignorance; • All customer-facing staff need training in disability awareness and equality; • Staff providing direct assistance need in-depth practical training. Ann Frye Ltd

  14. Summary: Key Issues • Demographic trends and greater availability of low cost air travel mean many more older people and people with disabilities want to travel by air; • There is a significant global market for accessible tourism and business travel that can be realised if the right policies and practices are put in place; • There are still too many gaps and uncertainties in the travel chain for people to travel with confidence; • The social and economic imperatives for change are clear. Ann Frye Ltd

  15. Summary: Priorities for change • Greater recognition at national and international levels of the economic as well as the social importance of accessible air travel; • Compatible and effective global policies and practices on access to air travel, including connections to and from airports; • Emphasis on universal design standards so developments in technology do not exclude people with disabilities; • Greater emphasis on staff training at every level to understand and meet the needs of travellers with disabilities. Ann Frye Ltd

  16. ann@annfrye.co.uk Ann Frye Ann Frye Ltd

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