​

For far too long, the travel industry has let down passengers with accessibility needs. From lengthy delays to damaged wheelchairs, many seniors have been repeatedly let down when travelling.

More often than not, their experiences go unnoticed. Until now.

TV presenter and disability rights campaigner Sophie Morgan turned her own unfortunate experience into a trigger for change. In February this year, Morgan’s wheelchair was broken on a British Airways flight. Inspired to do her part, she teamed up with Disability Rights UK to launch a new campaign - Rights on Flights.

The goal is simple: to make air travel a more accessible and safe experience – particularly for seniors and those with disabilities.

'The majority of the time when I fly, something bad happens,' says Morgan. 'I’ve normalised the experience of something going wrong.'

After her wheelchair was damaged, she decided to take action.

'It was on the back of other stories over the last six months — I thought, it’s getting out of hand.' However, she is still very optimistic that positive change can be achieved.

'The industry is recognising its systems aren’t working. Solutions need to be expedited.'

Travelling should be an exciting time, but for many with accessibility needs, it can be the opposite. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Rights on Flights is urging the UK parliament to enable the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to issue fines to any airlines that fail to provide an acceptable experience for those who require special assistance. In the long term, the goal is to make sure that all passengers, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy a safe, efficient, and comfortable flight.

But has the situation for those with special requirements deteriorated since the pandemic, or is it just better reported now?

Roberto Castiglioni, who has been campaigning for accessible air travel for the past 11 years as director of Reduced Mobility Rights, believes it is the former.

'Service levels have dropped significantly since the pandemic — the aviation industry is still struggling to catch up, with demand growing faster than expected,' he says.

The problem isn’t exclusive to wheelchair users either. According to a 2021 census, a staggering 17.8 million people in the UK have some kind of disability - and many of them require assistance when flying.

What these passengers need, the campaigners argue, is an opportunity to 'customise' their travel rather than being issued with a 'one size fits all' model of help.

But why are wheelchairs even getting broken in the first place?

The answer lies in aircraft design. No passenger airlines have planes with space allocated for wheelchairs, despite recent re-designs and refits. Moreover, Castiglioni warns wheelchairs 'are often mishandled. Handlers see them as cargo, not as someone’s legs.'

Morgan is calling for legislation to ensure that future aircraft are fully accessible and better designed, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and improved toilet facilities.

Installing these features would improve the assisted travelling experience and reduce the risk of injury or inconvenience for older passengers as well.

At the moment, wheelchair users have to ask the crew to take them to and from the toilet in uncomfortable 'aisle chairs' with the cubicle door open.

Things are different overseas, however. In the United States, every airline is responsible for providing special assistance. In the UK and Europe, it is largely left up to the airport.

Key Takeaways

• The Rights on Flights campaign, launched by TV presenter Sophie Morgan and Disability Rights UK, aims to improve the airline experience for passengers with disabilities.
• The campaign seeks short-term solutions, such as enabling the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fine providers who fail passengers with disabilities, and long-term goals, such as providing made-to-measure assistance and advocating for wheelchair spaces on planes.
• The current situation affects not just wheelchair users but also people with mobility issues, blind individuals, and those with sensory issues who may require assistance during their airport journey.
• The campaign calls for legislation to ensure that future aircraft be fully accessible, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and better-designed toilets.

So is the current system fit for purpose?

Morgan is calling for fines if airports 'break equipment, don’t provide the right assistance or leave us on board too long'.

At the same time, great strides can be taken to ensure that all passengers can have an enjoyable and safe experience on their journey.

Members, what have been some of your experiences flying? Do you think Morgan’s Rights on Flights campaign is an appropriate step forward to ensure more equitable travel? What other tips do you have to make your flying experience smoother? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

 

[Aged_Pensioners_fair_go]

to Morgan’s Rights on Flights. People with disabilities have fundamental human rights not to be discriminated against, especially when accessing toilets in an aircraft.

 

[MzChris]

​

For far too long, the travel industry has let down passengers with accessibility needs. From lengthy delays to damaged wheelchairs, many seniors have been repeatedly let down when travelling.

More often than not, their experiences go unnoticed. Until now.

TV presenter and disability rights campaigner Sophie Morgan turned her own unfortunate experience into a trigger for change. In February this year, Morgan’s wheelchair was broken on a British Airways flight. Inspired to do her part, she teamed up with Disability Rights UK to launch a new campaign - Rights on Flights.

The goal is simple: to make air travel a more accessible and safe experience – particularly for seniors and those with disabilities.

'The majority of the time when I fly, something bad happens,' says Morgan. 'I’ve normalised the experience of something going wrong.'

After her wheelchair was damaged, she decided to take action.

'It was on the back of other stories over the last six months — I thought, it’s getting out of hand.' However, she is still very optimistic that positive change can be achieved.

'The industry is recognising its systems aren’t working. Solutions need to be expedited.'

View attachment 19277

Travelling should be an exciting time, but for many with accessibility needs, it can be the opposite. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Rights on Flights is urging the UK parliament to enable the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to issue fines to any airlines that fail to provide an acceptable experience for those who require special assistance. In the long term, the goal is to make sure that all passengers, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy a safe, efficient, and comfortable flight.

But has the situation for those with special requirements deteriorated since the pandemic, or is it just better reported now?

Roberto Castiglioni, who has been campaigning for accessible air travel for the past 11 years as director of Reduced Mobility Rights, believes it is the former.

'Service levels have dropped significantly since the pandemic — the aviation industry is still struggling to catch up, with demand growing faster than expected,' he says.

The problem isn’t exclusive to wheelchair users either. According to a 2021 census, a staggering 17.8 million people in the UK have some kind of disability - and many of them require assistance when flying.

What these passengers need, the campaigners argue, is an opportunity to 'customise' their travel rather than being issued with a 'one size fits all' model of help.

But why are wheelchairs even getting broken in the first place?

The answer lies in aircraft design. No passenger airlines have planes with space allocated for wheelchairs, despite recent re-designs and refits. Moreover, Castiglioni warns wheelchairs 'are often mishandled. Handlers see them as cargo, not as someone’s legs.'

Morgan is calling for legislation to ensure that future aircraft are fully accessible and better designed, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and improved toilet facilities.

Installing these features would improve the assisted travelling experience and reduce the risk of injury or inconvenience for older passengers as well.

At the moment, wheelchair users have to ask the crew to take them to and from the toilet in uncomfortable 'aisle chairs' with the cubicle door open.

Things are different overseas, however. In the United States, every airline is responsible for providing special assistance. In the UK and Europe, it is largely left up to the airport.

Key Takeaways

• The Rights on Flights campaign, launched by TV presenter Sophie Morgan and Disability Rights UK, aims to improve the airline experience for passengers with disabilities.
• The campaign seeks short-term solutions, such as enabling the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fine providers who fail passengers with disabilities, and long-term goals, such as providing made-to-measure assistance and advocating for wheelchair spaces on planes.
• The current situation affects not just wheelchair users but also people with mobility issues, blind individuals, and those with sensory issues who may require assistance during their airport journey.
• The campaign calls for legislation to ensure that future aircraft be fully accessible, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and better-designed toilets.

So is the current system fit for purpose?

Morgan is calling for fines if airports 'break equipment, don’t provide the right assistance or leave us on board too long'.

At the same time, great strides can be taken to ensure that all passengers can have an enjoyable and safe experience on their journey.

Members, what have been some of your experiences flying? Do you think Morgan’s Rights on Flights campaign is an appropriate step forward to ensure more equitable travel? What other tips do you have to make your flying experience smoother? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

This is also happening in Australia. I travel with a wheelie walker I have this one since just before Christmas 2022. So far it’s been scratched from mishandling and my carry part under the seat , has been broken and on the seat it looks like the seat itself, has been slashed. I’m so disappointed but, it what I’ve come to expect from the handlers who load the luggage.

 

[Catherines]

Absolutely the best step forward for those with a disability. Before I got to the end of this article I was wondering, apart from wheelchair damage “what happens when someone with a disability needs to use the toilet, they are so small”. Perhaps just one toilet of a larger size somewhere could be provided on every aircraft. The airlines would not be disadvantaged by the loss of one fare to provide this.

 

[Catherines]

This is also happening in Australia. I travel with a wheelie walker I have this one since just before Christmas 2022. So far it’s been scratched from mishandling and my carry part under the seat , has been broken and on the seat it looks like the seat itself, has been it is slashed. I’m so disappointed but, it what I’ve come to expect from the handlers who load the luggage.

You should have complained to the airline and demanded reparation for the damage. If anyone has a problem with damage to property, whether it is someone with a disability or not, stand your ground & demand reparation from the company concerned. It is your right - be it an airline or any other company involved.

 

[SeniorRikie]

​

For far too long, the travel industry has let down passengers with accessibility needs. From lengthy delays to damaged wheelchairs, many seniors have been repeatedly let down when travelling.

More often than not, their experiences go unnoticed. Until now.

TV presenter and disability rights campaigner Sophie Morgan turned her own unfortunate experience into a trigger for change. In February this year, Morgan’s wheelchair was broken on a British Airways flight. Inspired to do her part, she teamed up with Disability Rights UK to launch a new campaign - Rights on Flights.

The goal is simple: to make air travel a more accessible and safe experience – particularly for seniors and those with disabilities.

'The majority of the time when I fly, something bad happens,' says Morgan. 'I’ve normalised the experience of something going wrong.'

After her wheelchair was damaged, she decided to take action.

'It was on the back of other stories over the last six months — I thought, it’s getting out of hand.' However, she is still very optimistic that positive change can be achieved.

'The industry is recognising its systems aren’t working. Solutions need to be expedited.'

View attachment 19277

Travelling should be an exciting time, but for many with accessibility needs, it can be the opposite. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Rights on Flights is urging the UK parliament to enable the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to issue fines to any airlines that fail to provide an acceptable experience for those who require special assistance. In the long term, the goal is to make sure that all passengers, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy a safe, efficient, and comfortable flight.

But has the situation for those with special requirements deteriorated since the pandemic, or is it just better reported now?

Roberto Castiglioni, who has been campaigning for accessible air travel for the past 11 years as director of Reduced Mobility Rights, believes it is the former.

'Service levels have dropped significantly since the pandemic — the aviation industry is still struggling to catch up, with demand growing faster than expected,' he says.

The problem isn’t exclusive to wheelchair users either. According to a 2021 census, a staggering 17.8 million people in the UK have some kind of disability - and many of them require assistance when flying.

What these passengers need, the campaigners argue, is an opportunity to 'customise' their travel rather than being issued with a 'one size fits all' model of help.

But why are wheelchairs even getting broken in the first place?

The answer lies in aircraft design. No passenger airlines have planes with space allocated for wheelchairs, despite recent re-designs and refits. Moreover, Castiglioni warns wheelchairs 'are often mishandled. Handlers see them as cargo, not as someone’s legs.'

Morgan is calling for legislation to ensure that future aircraft are fully accessible and better designed, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and improved toilet facilities.

Installing these features would improve the assisted travelling experience and reduce the risk of injury or inconvenience for older passengers as well.

At the moment, wheelchair users have to ask the crew to take them to and from the toilet in uncomfortable 'aisle chairs' with the cubicle door open.

Things are different overseas, however. In the United States, every airline is responsible for providing special assistance. In the UK and Europe, it is largely left up to the airport.

Key Takeaways

• The Rights on Flights campaign, launched by TV presenter Sophie Morgan and Disability Rights UK, aims to improve the airline experience for passengers with disabilities.
• The campaign seeks short-term solutions, such as enabling the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fine providers who fail passengers with disabilities, and long-term goals, such as providing made-to-measure assistance and advocating for wheelchair spaces on planes.
• The current situation affects not just wheelchair users but also people with mobility issues, blind individuals, and those with sensory issues who may require assistance during their airport journey.
• The campaign calls for legislation to ensure that future aircraft be fully accessible, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and better-designed toilets.

So is the current system fit for purpose?

Morgan is calling for fines if airports 'break equipment, don’t provide the right assistance or leave us on board too long'.

At the same time, great strides can be taken to ensure that all passengers can have an enjoyable and safe experience on their journey.

Members, what have been some of your experiences flying? Do you think Morgan’s Rights on Flights campaign is an appropriate step forward to ensure more equitable travel? What other tips do you have to make your flying experience smoother? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

​

For far too long, the travel industry has let down passengers with accessibility needs. From lengthy delays to damaged wheelchairs, many seniors have been repeatedly let down when travelling.

More often than not, their experiences go unnoticed. Until now.

TV presenter and disability rights campaigner Sophie Morgan turned her own unfortunate experience into a trigger for change. In February this year, Morgan’s wheelchair was broken on a British Airways flight. Inspired to do her part, she teamed up with Disability Rights UK to launch a new campaign - Rights on Flights.

The goal is simple: to make air travel a more accessible and safe experience – particularly for seniors and those with disabilities.

'The majority of the time when I fly, something bad happens,' says Morgan. 'I’ve normalised the experience of something going wrong.'

After her wheelchair was damaged, she decided to take action.

'It was on the back of other stories over the last six months — I thought, it’s getting out of hand.' However, she is still very optimistic that positive change can be achieved.

'The industry is recognising its systems aren’t working. Solutions need to be expedited.'

View attachment 19277

Travelling should be an exciting time, but for many with accessibility needs, it can be the opposite. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Rights on Flights is urging the UK parliament to enable the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to issue fines to any airlines that fail to provide an acceptable experience for those who require special assistance. In the long term, the goal is to make sure that all passengers, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy a safe, efficient, and comfortable flight.

But has the situation for those with special requirements deteriorated since the pandemic, or is it just better reported now?

Roberto Castiglioni, who has been campaigning for accessible air travel for the past 11 years as director of Reduced Mobility Rights, believes it is the former.

'Service levels have dropped significantly since the pandemic — the aviation industry is still struggling to catch up, with demand growing faster than expected,' he says.

The problem isn’t exclusive to wheelchair users either. According to a 2021 census, a staggering 17.8 million people in the UK have some kind of disability - and many of them require assistance when flying.

What these passengers need, the campaigners argue, is an opportunity to 'customise' their travel rather than being issued with a 'one size fits all' model of help.

But why are wheelchairs even getting broken in the first place?

The answer lies in aircraft design. No passenger airlines have planes with space allocated for wheelchairs, despite recent re-designs and refits. Moreover, Castiglioni warns wheelchairs 'are often mishandled. Handlers see them as cargo, not as someone’s legs.'

Morgan is calling for legislation to ensure that future aircraft are fully accessible and better designed, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and improved toilet facilities.

Installing these features would improve the assisted travelling experience and reduce the risk of injury or inconvenience for older passengers as well.

At the moment, wheelchair users have to ask the crew to take them to and from the toilet in uncomfortable 'aisle chairs' with the cubicle door open.

Things are different overseas, however. In the United States, every airline is responsible for providing special assistance. In the UK and Europe, it is largely left up to the airport.

Key Takeaways

• The Rights on Flights campaign, launched by TV presenter Sophie Morgan and Disability Rights UK, aims to improve the airline experience for passengers with disabilities.
• The campaign seeks short-term solutions, such as enabling the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fine providers who fail passengers with disabilities, and long-term goals, such as providing made-to-measure assistance and advocating for wheelchair spaces on planes.
• The current situation affects not just wheelchair users but also people with mobility issues, blind individuals, and those with sensory issues who may require assistance during their airport journey.
• The campaign calls for legislation to ensure that future aircraft be fully accessible, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and better-designed toilets.

So is the current system fit for purpose?

Morgan is calling for fines if airports 'break equipment, don’t provide the right assistance or leave us on board too long'.

At the same time, great strides can be taken to ensure that all passengers can have an enjoyable and safe experience on their journey.

Members, what have been some of your experiences flying? Do you think Morgan’s Rights on Flights campaign is an appropriate step forward to ensure more equitable travel? What other tips do you have to make your flying experience smoother? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

I have recently (July 2022) had this experience travelling to the UK with my aged/invalid husband. Just to clarify, hubby is on the larger side of travellers though not overly obese and uses a wheelchair. He can self-transfer and can walk short distances. However has continence issues so needed to access the toilet often. I will note he also has limited vision.
We were very happy with the service received in most airports however once on the plane the facilities were lacking. The staff were quite helpful but even travelling in business class, the toilet cubicles were very confined and did not have sufficient grab rails for him to assist himself even if there had been room.
We were lucky not to have any issues with his wheelchair being damaged in transit and were happy to use the airport chairs for onboarding. However we were mostly left to last for disembarking as wheelchairs were not available at the gate, which caused an issue with pre-arranged pickups. From one flight, we waited 45minutes, after other passengers had disembarked, for a chair to be available to transit from plane to the baggage claim area. I understand there are a lot of flights but I thought having pre-arranged this the service would have been better.
Now on to the service on board, the seating was ok (being business class) but there was not any consideration given to the reduced vision when it came to meal service etc. I get that this was my job (to help him eat) but the seating arrangement made this difficult also. I would not like to imaging the issues to be faced if travelling "cattle-class".
I would love to see an option for disabled travellers to either have a concession available on the wider seating available or possible a separate row available - even if only 1 row per plane dedicated to disabilities. If no disabled passengers then make available to others as a complimentary bonus or better still, for the staff on longer flights.

 

[starrysnan]

​

For far too long, the travel industry has let down passengers with accessibility needs. From lengthy delays to damaged wheelchairs, many seniors have been repeatedly let down when travelling.

More often than not, their experiences go unnoticed. Until now.

TV presenter and disability rights campaigner Sophie Morgan turned her own unfortunate experience into a trigger for change. In February this year, Morgan’s wheelchair was broken on a British Airways flight. Inspired to do her part, she teamed up with Disability Rights UK to launch a new campaign - Rights on Flights.

The goal is simple: to make air travel a more accessible and safe experience – particularly for seniors and those with disabilities.

'The majority of the time when I fly, something bad happens,' says Morgan. 'I’ve normalised the experience of something going wrong.'

After her wheelchair was damaged, she decided to take action.

'It was on the back of other stories over the last six months — I thought, it’s getting out of hand.' However, she is still very optimistic that positive change can be achieved.

'The industry is recognising its systems aren’t working. Solutions need to be expedited.'

View attachment 19277

Travelling should be an exciting time, but for many with accessibility needs, it can be the opposite. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Rights on Flights is urging the UK parliament to enable the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to issue fines to any airlines that fail to provide an acceptable experience for those who require special assistance. In the long term, the goal is to make sure that all passengers, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy a safe, efficient, and comfortable flight.

But has the situation for those with special requirements deteriorated since the pandemic, or is it just better reported now?

Roberto Castiglioni, who has been campaigning for accessible air travel for the past 11 years as director of Reduced Mobility Rights, believes it is the former.

'Service levels have dropped significantly since the pandemic — the aviation industry is still struggling to catch up, with demand growing faster than expected,' he says.

The problem isn’t exclusive to wheelchair users either. According to a 2021 census, a staggering 17.8 million people in the UK have some kind of disability - and many of them require assistance when flying.

What these passengers need, the campaigners argue, is an opportunity to 'customise' their travel rather than being issued with a 'one size fits all' model of help.

But why are wheelchairs even getting broken in the first place?

The answer lies in aircraft design. No passenger airlines have planes with space allocated for wheelchairs, despite recent re-designs and refits. Moreover, Castiglioni warns wheelchairs 'are often mishandled. Handlers see them as cargo, not as someone’s legs.'

Morgan is calling for legislation to ensure that future aircraft are fully accessible and better designed, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and improved toilet facilities.

Installing these features would improve the assisted travelling experience and reduce the risk of injury or inconvenience for older passengers as well.

At the moment, wheelchair users have to ask the crew to take them to and from the toilet in uncomfortable 'aisle chairs' with the cubicle door open.

Things are different overseas, however. In the United States, every airline is responsible for providing special assistance. In the UK and Europe, it is largely left up to the airport.

Key Takeaways

• The Rights on Flights campaign, launched by TV presenter Sophie Morgan and Disability Rights UK, aims to improve the airline experience for passengers with disabilities.
• The campaign seeks short-term solutions, such as enabling the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fine providers who fail passengers with disabilities, and long-term goals, such as providing made-to-measure assistance and advocating for wheelchair spaces on planes.
• The current situation affects not just wheelchair users but also people with mobility issues, blind individuals, and those with sensory issues who may require assistance during their airport journey.
• The campaign calls for legislation to ensure that future aircraft be fully accessible, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and better-designed toilets.

So is the current system fit for purpose?

Morgan is calling for fines if airports 'break equipment, don’t provide the right assistance or leave us on board too long'.

At the same time, great strides can be taken to ensure that all passengers can have an enjoyable and safe experience on their journey.

Members, what have been some of your experiences flying? Do you think Morgan’s Rights on Flights campaign is an appropriate step forward to ensure more equitable travel? What other tips do you have to make your flying experience smoother? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

My husband uses a manual wheelchair and we only fly domestically usually Brisbane to Sydney or Newcastle. Our last trip in June last year saw us flying Virgin and we could not fault their level of assistance during both flights. They also allowed my husband to remain in his own wheelchair until just before boarding when he transferred to a narrow chair to board the plane. This is a great help as the airline chair is quite uncomfortable to be sitting in for a long time. We are always boarded first and then wait at our destination until all other passengers exit the plane before we can disembark. The plane toilets are not accessible. We have never had a wheelchair or bag lost and Virgin made the flight very easy and enjoyable. I believe a lot more could be done to improve flying experiences particularly in longer and international flights.

 

[Jest]

​

For far too long, the travel industry has let down passengers with accessibility needs. From lengthy delays to damaged wheelchairs, many seniors have been repeatedly let down when travelling.

More often than not, their experiences go unnoticed. Until now.

TV presenter and disability rights campaigner Sophie Morgan turned her own unfortunate experience into a trigger for change. In February this year, Morgan’s wheelchair was broken on a British Airways flight. Inspired to do her part, she teamed up with Disability Rights UK to launch a new campaign - Rights on Flights.

The goal is simple: to make air travel a more accessible and safe experience – particularly for seniors and those with disabilities.

'The majority of the time when I fly, something bad happens,' says Morgan. 'I’ve normalised the experience of something going wrong.'

After her wheelchair was damaged, she decided to take action.

'It was on the back of other stories over the last six months — I thought, it’s getting out of hand.' However, she is still very optimistic that positive change can be achieved.

'The industry is recognising its systems aren’t working. Solutions need to be expedited.'

View attachment 19277

Travelling should be an exciting time, but for many with accessibility needs, it can be the opposite. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Rights on Flights is urging the UK parliament to enable the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to issue fines to any airlines that fail to provide an acceptable experience for those who require special assistance. In the long term, the goal is to make sure that all passengers, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy a safe, efficient, and comfortable flight.

But has the situation for those with special requirements deteriorated since the pandemic, or is it just better reported now?

Roberto Castiglioni, who has been campaigning for accessible air travel for the past 11 years as director of Reduced Mobility Rights, believes it is the former.

'Service levels have dropped significantly since the pandemic — the aviation industry is still struggling to catch up, with demand growing faster than expected,' he says.

The problem isn’t exclusive to wheelchair users either. According to a 2021 census, a staggering 17.8 million people in the UK have some kind of disability - and many of them require assistance when flying.

What these passengers need, the campaigners argue, is an opportunity to 'customise' their travel rather than being issued with a 'one size fits all' model of help.

But why are wheelchairs even getting broken in the first place?

The answer lies in aircraft design. No passenger airlines have planes with space allocated for wheelchairs, despite recent re-designs and refits. Moreover, Castiglioni warns wheelchairs 'are often mishandled. Handlers see them as cargo, not as someone’s legs.'

Morgan is calling for legislation to ensure that future aircraft are fully accessible and better designed, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and improved toilet facilities.

Installing these features would improve the assisted travelling experience and reduce the risk of injury or inconvenience for older passengers as well.

At the moment, wheelchair users have to ask the crew to take them to and from the toilet in uncomfortable 'aisle chairs' with the cubicle door open.

Things are different overseas, however. In the United States, every airline is responsible for providing special assistance. In the UK and Europe, it is largely left up to the airport.

Key Takeaways

• The Rights on Flights campaign, launched by TV presenter Sophie Morgan and Disability Rights UK, aims to improve the airline experience for passengers with disabilities.
• The campaign seeks short-term solutions, such as enabling the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fine providers who fail passengers with disabilities, and long-term goals, such as providing made-to-measure assistance and advocating for wheelchair spaces on planes.
• The current situation affects not just wheelchair users but also people with mobility issues, blind individuals, and those with sensory issues who may require assistance during their airport journey.
• The campaign calls for legislation to ensure that future aircraft be fully accessible, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and better-designed toilets.

So is the current system fit for purpose?

Morgan is calling for fines if airports 'break equipment, don’t provide the right assistance or leave us on board too long'.

At the same time, great strides can be taken to ensure that all passengers can have an enjoyable and safe experience on their journey.

Members, what have been some of your experiences flying? Do you think Morgan’s Rights on Flights campaign is an appropriate step forward to ensure more equitable travel? What other tips do you have to make your flying experience smoother? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

I have partaken of wheelchair useage in brisbane china x 4 different cities new zealand and cruises. Not once have I had a problem so I find this

​

For far too long, the travel industry has let down passengers with accessibility needs. From lengthy delays to damaged wheelchairs, many seniors have been repeatedly let down when travelling.

More often than not, their experiences go unnoticed. Until now.

TV presenter and disability rights campaigner Sophie Morgan turned her own unfortunate experience into a trigger for change. In February this year, Morgan’s wheelchair was broken on a British Airways flight. Inspired to do her part, she teamed up with Disability Rights UK to launch a new campaign - Rights on Flights.

The goal is simple: to make air travel a more accessible and safe experience – particularly for seniors and those with disabilities.

'The majority of the time when I fly, something bad happens,' says Morgan. 'I’ve normalised the experience of something going wrong.'

After her wheelchair was damaged, she decided to take action.

'It was on the back of other stories over the last six months — I thought, it’s getting out of hand.' However, she is still very optimistic that positive change can be achieved.

'The industry is recognising its systems aren’t working. Solutions need to be expedited.'

View attachment 19277

Travelling should be an exciting time, but for many with accessibility needs, it can be the opposite. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Rights on Flights is urging the UK parliament to enable the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to issue fines to any airlines that fail to provide an acceptable experience for those who require special assistance. In the long term, the goal is to make sure that all passengers, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy a safe, efficient, and comfortable flight.

But has the situation for those with special requirements deteriorated since the pandemic, or is it just better reported now?

Roberto Castiglioni, who has been campaigning for accessible air travel for the past 11 years as director of Reduced Mobility Rights, believes it is the former.

'Service levels have dropped significantly since the pandemic — the aviation industry is still struggling to catch up, with demand growing faster than expected,' he says.

The problem isn’t exclusive to wheelchair users either. According to a 2021 census, a staggering 17.8 million people in the UK have some kind of disability - and many of them require assistance when flying.

What these passengers need, the campaigners argue, is an opportunity to 'customise' their travel rather than being issued with a 'one size fits all' model of help.

But why are wheelchairs even getting broken in the first place?

The answer lies in aircraft design. No passenger airlines have planes with space allocated for wheelchairs, despite recent re-designs and refits. Moreover, Castiglioni warns wheelchairs 'are often mishandled. Handlers see them as cargo, not as someone’s legs.'

Morgan is calling for legislation to ensure that future aircraft are fully accessible and better designed, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and improved toilet facilities.

Installing these features would improve the assisted travelling experience and reduce the risk of injury or inconvenience for older passengers as well.

At the moment, wheelchair users have to ask the crew to take them to and from the toilet in uncomfortable 'aisle chairs' with the cubicle door open.

Things are different overseas, however. In the United States, every airline is responsible for providing special assistance. In the UK and Europe, it is largely left up to the airport.

Key Takeaways

• The Rights on Flights campaign, launched by TV presenter Sophie Morgan and Disability Rights UK, aims to improve the airline experience for passengers with disabilities.
• The campaign seeks short-term solutions, such as enabling the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fine providers who fail passengers with disabilities, and long-term goals, such as providing made-to-measure assistance and advocating for wheelchair spaces on planes.
• The current situation affects not just wheelchair users but also people with mobility issues, blind individuals, and those with sensory issues who may require assistance during their airport journey.
• The campaign calls for legislation to ensure that future aircraft be fully accessible, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and better-designed toilets.

So is the current system fit for purpose?

Morgan is calling for fines if airports 'break equipment, don’t provide the right assistance or leave us on board too long'.

At the same time, great strides can be taken to ensure that all passengers can have an enjoyable and safe experience on their journey.

Members, what have been some of your experiences flying? Do you think Morgan’s Rights on Flights campaign is an appropriate step forward to ensure more equitable travel? What other tips do you have to make your flying experience smoother? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

I have had wheelchair assistance at Brisbane twice China 4 cities, New Zealand twice, and not once have I had a problem, in fact it has been a breeze. try walking through Shanghai I would never have made it.. Every time My suitcases have been collected and I have been looked after right till I leave the airport. This included my walking partner. I find this article hard to believe. No complaints from us.

 

[Jest]

My husband uses a manual wheelchair and we only fly domestically usually Brisbane to Sydney or Newcastle. Our last trip in June last year saw us flying Virgin and we could not fault their level of assistance during both flights. They also allowed my husband to remain in his own wheelchair until just before boarding when he transferred to a narrow chair to board the plane. This is a great help as the airline chair is quite uncomfortable to be sitting in for a long time. We are always boarded first and then wait at our destination until all other passengers exit the plane before we can disembark. The plane toilets are not accessible. We have never had a wheelchair or bag lost and Virgin made the flight very easy and enjoyable. I believe a lot more could be done to improve flying experiences particularly in longer and international flights.

me too as i put below.

 

[Jest]

I have partaken of wheelchair useage in brisbane china x 4 different cities new zealand and cruises. Not once have I had a problem so I find this

I have had wheelchair assistance at Brisbane twice China 4 cities, New Zealand twice, and not once have I had a problem, in fact it has been a breeze. try walking through Shanghai I would never have made it.. Every time My suitcases have been collected and I have been looked after right till I leave the airport. This included my walking partner. I find this article hard to believe. No complaints from us.

i will also add we wait till all passengers have left before we embark but guess what we are through customs before most. I do not understand the complaints. as to toilets well that is a different problem for some. I do not have it.

 

[donandviv77]

​

For far too long, the travel industry has let down passengers with accessibility needs. From lengthy delays to damaged wheelchairs, many seniors have been repeatedly let down when travelling.

More often than not, their experiences go unnoticed. Until now.

TV presenter and disability rights campaigner Sophie Morgan turned her own unfortunate experience into a trigger for change. In February this year, Morgan’s wheelchair was broken on a British Airways flight. Inspired to do her part, she teamed up with Disability Rights UK to launch a new campaign - Rights on Flights.

The goal is simple: to make air travel a more accessible and safe experience – particularly for seniors and those with disabilities.

'The majority of the time when I fly, something bad happens,' says Morgan. 'I’ve normalised the experience of something going wrong.'

After her wheelchair was damaged, she decided to take action.

'It was on the back of other stories over the last six months — I thought, it’s getting out of hand.' However, she is still very optimistic that positive change can be achieved.

'The industry is recognising its systems aren’t working. Solutions need to be expedited.'

View attachment 19277

Travelling should be an exciting time, but for many with accessibility needs, it can be the opposite. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Rights on Flights is urging the UK parliament to enable the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to issue fines to any airlines that fail to provide an acceptable experience for those who require special assistance. In the long term, the goal is to make sure that all passengers, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy a safe, efficient, and comfortable flight.

But has the situation for those with special requirements deteriorated since the pandemic, or is it just better reported now?

Roberto Castiglioni, who has been campaigning for accessible air travel for the past 11 years as director of Reduced Mobility Rights, believes it is the former.

'Service levels have dropped significantly since the pandemic — the aviation industry is still struggling to catch up, with demand growing faster than expected,' he says.

The problem isn’t exclusive to wheelchair users either. According to a 2021 census, a staggering 17.8 million people in the UK have some kind of disability - and many of them require assistance when flying.

What these passengers need, the campaigners argue, is an opportunity to 'customise' their travel rather than being issued with a 'one size fits all' model of help.

But why are wheelchairs even getting broken in the first place?

The answer lies in aircraft design. No passenger airlines have planes with space allocated for wheelchairs, despite recent re-designs and refits. Moreover, Castiglioni warns wheelchairs 'are often mishandled. Handlers see them as cargo, not as someone’s legs.'

Morgan is calling for legislation to ensure that future aircraft are fully accessible and better designed, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and improved toilet facilities.

Installing these features would improve the assisted travelling experience and reduce the risk of injury or inconvenience for older passengers as well.

At the moment, wheelchair users have to ask the crew to take them to and from the toilet in uncomfortable 'aisle chairs' with the cubicle door open.

Things are different overseas, however. In the United States, every airline is responsible for providing special assistance. In the UK and Europe, it is largely left up to the airport.

Key Takeaways

• The Rights on Flights campaign, launched by TV presenter Sophie Morgan and Disability Rights UK, aims to improve the airline experience for passengers with disabilities.
• The campaign seeks short-term solutions, such as enabling the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fine providers who fail passengers with disabilities, and long-term goals, such as providing made-to-measure assistance and advocating for wheelchair spaces on planes.
• The current situation affects not just wheelchair users but also people with mobility issues, blind individuals, and those with sensory issues who may require assistance during their airport journey.
• The campaign calls for legislation to ensure that future aircraft be fully accessible, with space to keep wheelchairs on board and better-designed toilets.

So is the current system fit for purpose?

Morgan is calling for fines if airports 'break equipment, don’t provide the right assistance or leave us on board too long'.

At the same time, great strides can be taken to ensure that all passengers can have an enjoyable and safe experience on their journey.

Members, what have been some of your experiences flying? Do you think Morgan’s Rights on Flights campaign is an appropriate step forward to ensure more equitable travel? What other tips do you have to make your flying experience smoother? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

I require a wheeled walking frame to get around and recently flew Sydney to Singapore onboard Scoot Airlines and could not have asked for a better trip. At Sydney Airport I had to check in my walker as the plane did not allow the walker to travel with me- any problems-no way. Firstly, being disabled I was given priority to be checked in. Scoot Airlines then provided me with a wheel chair and a staff member who piloted me to the boarding gate then took me, in the wheel chair direct to my allocated seat. On arrival in Singapore the procedure was reversed with a wheel chair meeting me at the aircraft then, again with a Scoot Airline staff pushing the wheel chair, taking me through the Airport to the luggage claim carousel where I recovered my walking frame in perfect condition. Not bad receiving First Class service from a budget airline. And if anyone tells you that flying ScootPlus is a poor mans travel service then we would suggest that everyone compares Scoot with the recognised larger Airlines then calculate just how much you are being charged to eat a couple of meals, how much alcohol you can drink plus watching a 3rd rate movie when ScootPlus will get you there in comfort for A$510/Person