Issues faced by wheelchair users when travelling by air is being addressed in a film by charity Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF).
‘Your Guide to Flying with a Disability’ has been developed with the Civil Aviation Authority and the airline and airport industry.
It aims to provide disabled people with the information they are missing, so they can make informed decisions and feel confident about taking a flight.
People thinking about flying with a powered wheelchair can see exactly what is involved when taking a flight as the film shows every stage of the journey, from the preparation required, through check-in, security, boarding, in-flight and landing, as well as the assistance available.
The film has been created in response to a growing need, highlighted by the numerous high-profile media stories last year and reports that show that in 2017 there were three million requests made for assistance at UK airports.
These requests are increasing at almost double the rate of general passenger growth.
The charity’s accessible aviation expert Graham Race said: “Our QEF Tryb4uFly service has already proven invaluable to many disabled people that have been anxious about taking a flight, but there has been a significant increase in demand for information.
“British Airways have already confirmed that they will make the film available to all customers who book wheelchair assistance.
“The film shows a complete journey by air and offers advice at each stage. It provides much needed information and assurance to the thousands of disabled people and their families who currently feel that air travel is not an option for them.”
CAA director Paul Smith added: “It is a priority for the UK Civil Aviation Authority to continue to improve the accessibility of air travel. We have worked closely with UK disability charity Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People who have expertise in this area, to develop an insightful and informative film.
“As it shows every stage of a journey by air for a powered wheelchair user, we hope the film will answer many of the questions people currently have about flying as a wheelchair passenger, and increase the confidence to fly.”