Air Travel

Overview
Role of the working group
What we have done
What we are doing
Top Tips

Overview

Everyone should be able to get to, and use, airports and aircraft, confident that the whole journey will be accessible. There has been considerable progress in recent years but there still remain difficulties about seeking information, booking assistance, differing standards of customer services and design of facilities.

The Government has asked DPTAC to advise on the transport needs of disabled people. Much is already being done.

A European Charter on Passenger Rights is being developed and will include the needs of disabled people. A UK Code of Practice on access to air travel for disabled people is also being developed.

Transport 2010: The 10 Year Plan for Transport makes a commitment that accessibility for disabled people will be a condition of public money being spent. Where public money is required for the future development or expansion airport terminals and surface access routes, accessibility for disabled people will be condition of investment.

Role of the working group

The Aviation Working Group (AWG) was formed in 2000 from the merger of the RADAR Access to the Skies (UK) Committee and DPTAC Airports Sub-Committee, which had been operating since 1985.

Our main objective is to advise on improving access to air services for disabled people, working with all sectors of the industry to ensure high standards of customer care, improved communication and staff training. We take into account complementary advice from other DPTAC Working Groups.

Our membership includes representatives from disability interests and those concerned with the regulation, design and operation of aviation services, including airlines, airports, tour operators and travel agents. We also have observers from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and other Government agencies.

Our role is to focus on the strategic issues. This enables DPTAC to be more effective in influencing the policies and standards. We also monitor and contribute to European and International disability legislation and guidance through ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference) and IATA (International Air Transport Association).

We advocate the promotion of an accessible transport system in the advice we give to Government.

An accessible transport system is one that recognises the need for every stage in the journey to be accessible to disabled people. It sets out to include as many people as possible. It does not attempt to meet every single need. Rather, by considering people's diversity, accessible transport systems try to break down unnecessary barriers and exclusion. In doing so it will often achieve superior solutions that benefit everyone.

What we have done

In the last twelve months we have;

• Attended the National Air Summit to ensure disabled passengers requirements are incorporated into the Government White Paper on the future of aviation.

• Published Top 10 Tips for Airport Staff

• Provided advice on the DTLR Code of Practice: Access to Air Travel for Disabled People

• Reviewed access audits of most UK airports

• Sought confirmation of airline disability policies

What we are doing

We are currently considering the following;

• responding to the Future of Aviation consultation by DTLR. (DPTAC's Response)

• producing guidance on the design of aircraft toilets

• promoting good design for in-flight food packaging

• publishing guidance for disabled people travelling by air

We welcome your comments and views on the issues raised above and any priorities not considered. Click here to e-mail us ideas.

Top Tips

If you are an airport operator;

• Ensure your staff can demonstrate qualifications and competencies in access issues. Training courses are available;

• Ensure you follow recommended guidelines on access;

• Regularly review access for disabled people, using the experiences of disabled people with a range of impairments;

• Publish information on what you provide for disabled people;

If you are an airline;

• Ensure your staff can demonstrate qualifications and competencies in access issues. Training courses are available;

• Ensure you follow recommended guidelines on access;

• Regularly review access for disabled people, using the experiences of disabled people with a range of impairments;

• Publish information on what you provide for disabled people;

If you are a disabled person;

• Plan ahead and book assistance if required

• If you wish to complain, contact the airline and airport in the first instance.

• But remember also to let the airline and airport know when they get things right.

• The Air Transport Users Council on 020 7240 6061 or http://www.auc.org.uk provides advice to help you avoid any problems and what to do if things go wrong.

If you develop manufacture products for use in aviation;

• Be aware of the guidance and good practice on accessible services

• Consult disabled people when designing new products

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