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19 May 2012 | Sign In
Campaigning for disabled passengers
Visual and hearing disabilities also make flying difficult
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Jasper Kelly Thursday 18 November 2010 |
Kayte Platts, here at flights.co.uk, has become something of a campaigner for the disabled air traveler (see More on this story). As she says, you do not think about these things until you know someone with a disability.
The more we have discussed this, the more I have come to recognise the breadth of the problem. Initially, Kayte mentioned access to toilets and wheelchairs. Suddenly, I have realised that there are blind and deaf passengers, each with their own range of problems.
I must admit that I really had not given much thought to this before. Ironically, having watched a seeing-eye dog being loaded in the USA, my wife and I took more notice of the dog than the visually impaired passenger.
We still really had not thought much about being deaf and travelling.
The airlines and the airports are taking this much more seriously and anti-discrimination laws are helping. There are, however, still big gaps between policy and practice but this is improving.
Clearly, if you anticipate requiring assistance at the airport it is advisable to inform your carrier as soon as possible so that they may make the necessary staffing arrangements. It is best to give them at least 48 hours notice.
Assistance can be arranged to help you at check-in, custom controls and baggage check. Additionally, you can request that a member of staff informs you personally as soon as information is announced regarding your flight. The majority of public address systems at airports do include induction loop facilities, which will amplify the sound when you use the 'T' switch on your hearing aid. In many airports, text telephones and public telephones fitted with induction loops should also be available.
When onboard the plane, it is recommend that you make the cabin crew aware of your impairment in order that they can update you with any important announcements during the flight. Information videos shown on the plane should have subtitles and you may be able to use an induction loop to listen to public announcements.
Kayte and I have now spoken to a number of airlines and about half will allow deaf passengers to board first, so that the cabin crew can explain the safety procedures to them prior to the other passengers boarding.
This issue is an important one and is something that we will continue to pursue on behalf of all passengers.
| Comments | Post a comment |
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Matthew, Edinburgh 22 November 2010, 10:36AM | |
As you point out Jasper, I do not think many people give much thought to how the deaf cope when flying. Thank you for bringing this to the forefront. | |
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Juiliette, Wales 22 November 2010, 11:18AM | |
It seems that as long as the airline know's that you are traveliing with a disabled passenger the correct level of care is given. | |
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Jenny Lambert, Bristol 23 November 2010, 01:45PM | |
This is a well worth cause. | |
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This whole area does need more coverage. The airlines get away with treating the disabled badly because there are no easy solutions. | |
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My sister is deaf and has had good and bad experiences. I know that Ryanair get and usually deserve a bad press. But one of their staff looked after my sister and did a job well above and beyond the cal of duty. | |
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Anthony Jacobs, London 24 November 2010, 01:21PM | |
My wife is blind, and believe me at times travelling by air is fraught with problems. My wife does rely heavily on me for help. Generally the ground staff are usually very helpful. However, we have come across some very unhelpful air stewards, and they are not always as sympathetic and patient as they should be. | |
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Jess, Manchester 2 December 2010, 01:50PM | |
I agree with Matthew. We always think about how weelchair bound people cope with flying but the thought of how the deaf and blind cope never crosses our minds. Thank you Jasper | |
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JEAN KEARON, BLACKPOOL 10 May 2011, 10:00PM | |
we think that it is wrong that disabled passengers get boarded last, you have to try and fight your way through all the other passengers then struggle to find a seat. | |
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Gatwick improves | ||||
Gatwick implement various new innovations to improve services for the disabled traveller.
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