ABTA is reminding the trade of its obligations when booking travel for people with restricted mobility (PRM), a year after new European legislation was introduced.
Travellers with mobility problems who fail to let agents or airlines know they need assistance have caused delays at airports over the past year.
ABTA is calling on agents to ask clients if they will need assistance at the airport, so that airport staff have time to prepare. Agents must pass on their clients’ requests by phone or email at least 48 hours before travel.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “PRMs requiring assistance at airports without warning has been one of the main problems encountered when implementing the new regulations. We all have a part to play in addressing the problem and I would urge ABTA members to consider tactful ways they can raise the issue when accepting a booking.”
The Persons with Restricted Mobility regulations, which came into force on July 26 2008, made it illegal for travel agents, tour operators and airlines to refuse a booking to a PRM and imposed obligations on airports to provide assistance to customers in transit.
The law protects pregnant women, people with broken limbs and elderly travellers with walking difficulties. Agents who repeatedly do not fulfil their obligations could face a fine of up to £5,000.