New laws that will make air travel easier for disabled passengers across Europe have been welcomed by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
Legislation has been introduced that will make it illegal for airlines to refuse bookings on the grounds of disability. It will apply to all passenger flights within the European Union.
Those people being denied boarding because of disability or reduced mobility (including those who have broken a leg while on holiday, for example) will be able to complain to the Disability Rights Commission, which can then refer the airline to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
In turn, the CAA has the power to penalise airlines with unlimited fines.
The ABTA’s head of consumer affairs, Keith Richards, noted that the law extends Britain’s existing Disability Discrimination Act, which currently applies to tour operators and travel agents.
“Discrimination tends to come from a lack of understanding rather than a lack of ability to provide a good service,” he said. “Treating customers with reduced mobility fairly makes good business sense, especially as this is a growing sector.”
Further information for disabled air passengers can be found at the government’s public service website www.direct.gov.uk.
Among the services that should be provided by airlines or airports for passengers with sensory or physical disabilities are: assistance reaching check-in and registering at the check-in desk, help getting on and off the plane and help with stowing baggage.
