Disabled passengers encouraged to ask airlines for help

Passengers with disabilities should let their airlines know if they require assistance during the course of their flight.

This is the call from ABTA - The Travel Association, which said that disabled people should "not be shy" about asking for help.

While travel companies are obliged to help disabled customers under the Persons with Reduced Mobility Regulations, many have reported that customers are not forthcoming in terms of asking for assistance.

ABTA says that disabled travellers requiring help should ask their airline at least 48 hours in advance, which would ensure that resources such as wheelchairs and airport staff are on hand prior to their flight's departure.

Casia Zajac, head of communications at ABTA, said that people with disabilities are "incredibly important" to the airline industry.

"We are more than happy to remove any barriers to their ability to travel," she commented.

"Letting transport providers at the airport know of any requirements in advance is an easy and sensible way to help us to do that."

ABTA represents more than 5,000 travel agencies and 900 tour operators throughout the UK.

Posted by Merv, 03 December 2009 13:28

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