Ann FryeAnn Frye Ltd
Accessible Air Travel: Challenges and Options
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd2
“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.”
Stig Langvad, Executive Member, European Disability Forum
“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.”
Stig Langvad, Executive Member, European Disability Forum
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd3
"“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."
Shuaib Chalklen, UN Special Rapporteur on Disability
The Economic case: Accessible Tourism
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd4
The “Grey Haired Globetrotters”
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd5
“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
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd6
“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
Getting to & from the Airport: Challenges
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd7
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.
Airports - Challenges
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd8
Long distancesLack of seatingPoor signageAbsence of visual and/or
audible informationLack of assistance/ poorly
trained staffIndignity of security searches
Aircraft - Challenges
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd9
Discriminatory policies:Denied boardingRequiring accompanying
personInadequate briefing
Remote stand boarding & de-boardingRapid turnaroundInaccessible washroomsLoss or damage to mobility
equipment
Technology: Challenges
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd10
Technology is moving ahead of accessibility
Many people with disabilities cannot access:Self service check in systemsE-gatesOn-line check-inThey often have to call
premium rate phone lines to get the service others get free.
Priorities for improvement: Legislation and Enforcement
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd11
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.
Priorities for improvement: Information
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd12
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.
Priorities for improvement: Training
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd13
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.
Summary: Key Issues
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd14
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.
Summary: Priorities for change
10/04/23Ann Frye Ltd15
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.
