Despite holidays promising to be a relaxing time they can also be quite stressful, and if you have a disability your first plane journey may seem daunting at first, but it shouldn’t be. UK Airports have strict guidelines to follow and to save you extra baggage we have compiled a handy guide to make your week or two in the sun a little easier...
First of all, if you think you’ll require assistance at the airport you must contact them within 48 hours before you fly to ensure you will have the help you need.
Once at the airport you will be relieved to hear all UK airports have a service helping special need passengers to...
- Check-in
- Making their way around the airport
- Boarding and Disembarking the plane
- Getting to the toilet on the plane
- Free carriage of medical equipment
- Collecting your bags
- A courier to meet you after you have landed
People with disabilities travelling alone must be able to unfasten their own seatbelt, understand the safety briefing (which all passengers pay full attention to don’t they?) Put on an oxygen mask and a lifejacket.
Passengers with limited ability are not permitted to sit next to the emergency exits as should there be an incident those seating in these seats could be responsible for opening the doors.
If you require taking up two seats, there’s two choices you have, apply for a discounted seat or quite simply, stop eating so many blooming pies!
A passenger with a disability who requires a companion when flying may be able to claim a discount for the second ticket. You need to contact the airline and be prepared to show proof of your disability – a copy of your blue badge or a doctor’s letter should do the trick.
If you have medical needs you will need to fill in a Incapacitated Passengers Handling Advice (INCAD) or a Medical Information (MEDIF) the only thing is these have to be completed every time you take a flight so if you are a frequent traveller we advise you to apply for a Frequent Traveller Medical Card (FREMEC) which can be used every time you fly.
Thanks to these arrangements your summer holiday should be a very enjoyable experience, unless you fly with Ryan Air of course!
