Air Travel and Barriers
What is your biggest fear when you enter the sky up above?
Come fly with me
What about flying?
Ok. So. Much. Can. Happen.
Toilets on a plane? Nah. Maybe. Not sure. You never know.
Will they forget me? Do they need to lift me and force me into an aisle chair?
In 2023?
Yes, it does happen.
Lots of things are changing too:
The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority in the UK) is reviewing the accessibility of 20 airlines.
Famous travelers and disability rights activists and power women Sophie Morgan (UK) and Maayan Ziv (Canada) have teamed up and talk about #RightsonFlights.
Fear in advance is not adding points to your travel mood
Will your chair be in one piece when you meet again?
How many nightmare stories are to be found online of broken wheelchairs and horror responses by airlines?
How many hours is your max when it comes to life up in the sky?
What if your chair gets lost?
How does it work if you have a power chair?
What to do when you need oxygen?
Is there an option to evacuate in a safe manner?
Can I travel alone with my guide dog?
So. Many. Questions. Worries. Doubts.
And that is just the flying part. Before that, you need to survive the airport. Packing. Leaving home. After the flight, the fun begins. Right. Right?
People
You need people. Airline staff. Airport assistance. Travel partners.
Traveling solo means asking for and allowing yourself to ask a lot of help.
More and more help in technical solutions is available. Look at WelcoMe - a multi award winning solution to overcome arrival anxiety helping businesses and customer services in the background on how to help you.
A little Help
You want help? That is up to you. Some do not want any help, others ask anyone. No simple rules there. After reading hundreds of stories and watching quite the number of videos online, there is almost no such thing as easypeasy fly high in the sky when you have a disability, especially when using a wheelchair.
Our advice: Ask for help, and, be clear in setting boundaries at the same time.
Adding it all up, you need time to prepare. Practical things to take care of, and also mentally.
Besides your own things to take care of, support all who fight for rights, stand up for better travel for all and let them know you support them.
First PhD on Accessible Air Travel in the world
As Founder of Accessible Travel Online, I was invited to the official ceremony.
Research
In depth research worldwide on airports and airlines. Traveling when you have a disability means using a wheelchair, transfers, sign language, guides, assistance dogs and many, many more specific situations that need to be addressed properly and accordingly.
4 years of research have been written down in this comprehensive thesis.
Bangkok uni professor
Dr. Lalin Kovudhikulrungsri (University of Bangkok, University of Leiden) wrote her doctoral thesis on the rights to travel by air of Persons with Disabilities.
Read more here:
One more thing.
Did you know we collect and share thousands and thousands of websites, channels and other resources?
Check out our Youtube channel where you find hundreds of travel videos collected in playlists for each continent, to get that travel spark when you start making your travel plans.
Make sure your carer, your OT, your parents, your friends, your partner, start following
. So much to share. Also, tell us, when you want us to share YOUR story.Always travel. Find a way. Wherever you go, travel with all your heart.
Take care, till next time!
Marlies van Sint Annaland
Founder Accessible Travel Press | Accessible Travel Online
Accessible Travel Press - Amsterdam (est. 2011) | info@accessibletravel.online
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