Disability travelDisability travel: Preparing for air travel For the over 50 baby boomer, the key to a safe and comfortable trip is planning. Understand that you do have rights and that airlines and airports are bound by legislation to provide services for you. The following questions should be asked: *Is the airport and plane accessible? *Are there aerobridges for embarking and disembarking? If not what is the procedure? *Is the plane toilet accessible by aisle chairs (ie. width of door, grab bars, lever taps, manoeuvring floor space)? *are there moveable armrests on the plane for easier transfer between aisle chair and the seat? *What arrangements are in place for transporting and storing a wheelchair, including the battery? (take note that if you are travelling outside your own country, you may need a voltage converter if you plan to use electrical appliances or have a power wheelchair). *Is assistance available at the baggage area? *Can a disabled passenger board before the other passengers? *What facilities are available in an emergency for vision and hearing impaired passengers (eg. Braille/large print book explaining emergency procedures, cabin layout and facilities) Regarding disability travel, the above information is generally available upon request by phone from the airline concerned. Carriers must provide a comparable information service for people with a hearing impairment. There should be no difference between the quality of the information service provided for disabled travellers and non-disabled travellers. There is no obligation to provide the airline with advance notice of your travel plans but it is suggested that you do. This gives the airline and airport time to ensure any required equipment is available. Specifically for the transport of electric wheelchairs including certain regulations for transporting wheelchair batteries. Also if there is more than one airline they can ensure assistance is provided on each airline. In regards to guide dogs, the Australian Civil Aviation Regulations have generally accepted the carriage of dogs accompanying a blind or hearing impaired person. The presence of a guide dog in the cabin of an aircraft must not adversely affect the safety of the aircraft. Ensure you get specific approval prior to departure. Disability travel booking If you require aisle seating or any other particular needs then let the airline know when making your booking. Ensure you understand what they can offer. If unhappy do not hesitate to contact the airlines complaints department. Always double check and reconfirm reservations and specific arrangements well in advance. Get it in writing. List all the disability related services that has had a commitment made. Check the date, time and place of departure. Know the check in time, seat assignment, onboard services provided, number and length of stops and any overnight stopovers. If travelling with a guide dog, let the airline know when you are booking. Note: not all airlines may allow your dog in the cabin. Disability travel - Carers and Assistants The airline may require a carer or assistant to be present when transporting: *a person travelling on a stretcher or an incubator *an intellectually disabled person who is unable to comprehend or respond to safety instructions *a mobility impaired person who is unable to assist in their own evacuation Disability travel - Medical requirements Airlines are not required to provide medical oxygen, carry incubators, hook up respirators or accommodate a passenger who must travel on a stretcher. If you need to carry medications in your hand luggage, ensure that the airport and airline have approved it (there have been changes to what you can carry in your hand luggage). If you have a serious medical condition you may need to have a medical certificate. Disability travel - At the airport Arrive early. Most airlines have a customer assistance officer to help with check in and boarding processes. Some airlines offer a shuttle system, people movers, moving walkways or kerbside baggage check-in. Ring the airport to find out. If travelling with a guide dog present your dog's accredited ID card or documentation at the time of check-in. Disability travel - Security screening Security screening is the same for disabled persons and non disabled persons. You could be examined the same as anyone else. Disability travel - Mobility aids and assistance devices Ensure all your equipment is labeled. Remove anything that could be easily separated and lost. Take them as carry on luggage. It may be a good idea to have instructions on how to disassemble and assemble equipment. If a stopover is required ensure the airline knows of any aids you may need. Always check for damage as soon as your destination has been reached. Passengers are entitled to bring on board and use ventilators and respirators powered by non-spillable batteries. They do not count towards baggage limits. Disability travel - Boarding Travellers with disabilities are permitted to board the aircraft before other passengers. Most airlines will call for you to board first. In most cases, you will also be the last to disembark. Tell the cabin crew about any specific needs when boarding. Passengers must not be hand carried on or off the aircraft. Airports have lifting devices. Ensure you let them know in advance if you need to be lifted on and off the airplane. The airline must assist the passenger with reaching a connecting flight. Cabin crew shall assist a passenger to: *to move to and from their seat as part of the embarking and disembarking process *open packages and identify food *use aisle chairs when moving to and from toilet *move to and from the toilet in the case of a semi-ambulant person *load and retrieve carry-on items, including mobility aids and other assistive devices *ensure that all passengers get a briefing in a form they understand. *Note Cabin crew are not required to assist with eating, toileting, medical services or lifting a passenger. *For more detailed information on the Disability Standards for Asccessible Public Transport 2002 and associated Guidelines is available from the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department website. Qantas - Mobility Assistance: Qantas Charter for the Customers with Specific Needs Overseas sites.
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