22 August 2012 Trailblazers launch survey on airlines and airports
Trailblazers are launching a new survey today as part of an investigation into the experiences of young disabled people using airlines.
In 2010 Trailblazers launched the All Inclusive? report on tourism. The report revealed that one aspect of tourism that was still very much an issue for disabled people was air travel. Over the past two years we have heard countless stories and examples of some good and often very poor service from airlines.
Issues have included:
- the poor care of wheelchairs
- a lack of staff disability awareness and training on carrying passengers to and from plane seats
- and policies that make it almost impossible for powered wheelchair to be taken on some airlines.
Individual members of the Trailblazers network like Hayleigh Barclay have also set up their own campaigns to encourage airlines to find ways that will make it possible for people to travel in their own wheelchairs rather than having to transfer into airline seats.
We are now launching a dedicated investigation and survey on airlines and encourage anyone who has travelled with an airline over the past few years to share their experiences.
Trailblazers Project Manager Bobby Ancil said:
Trailblazers tell us time and again of being let down by airlines who damage expensive wheelchairs, refuse to carry wheelchairs unless they are broken up into smaller pieces and charge people to use oxygen canisters, which equates to a tax on breathing.
We are launching this survey to raise awareness of these issues and to challenge airlines who continue to fail to provide a good service for disabled passengers.
The conclusion of the survey will be followed by publication of a report and debate in Parliament on Wednesday October 24.
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