Disabled passengers forced to shop around for good service

New research shows that passengers with various disabilities are not getting a consistent level of good service from airlines, in spite of legislation that prevents carriers from discriminating in favour of able bodied passengers.

Flight comparison website Cheapflights conducted a survey of airline charges and found that some disabled passengers are forced to pay up to £100 for services and facilities that other airlines provide for free.

Contrary to expectations, it is not only the budget airlines that are imposing the highest fees. Monarch and Bmi, both full-service airlines, charge £100 for supplementary oxygen.

Ryanair also imposes a £100 fee but supplementary oxygen is provided free by other airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Thomsonfly.

Not all UK airports provide the same level of assistance to disabled passengers either. Some provide more convenient parking but others don't and the availability of assistance within the airports is inconsistent, according to Cheapflights' research.

Disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility do have rights when it comes to air travel, however, and they should complain to the Civil Aviation Authority (www.caa.co.uk) if they feel they are being discriminated against by airlines.

Under European law they cannot be denied access to a flight on the basis of their mobility impairment, the only exceptions being when legal safety requirements impose restrictions or where the size of the aircraft doors prevent access.

They must also be provided with assistant at the airport all the way to their seat on the aircraft.

Disabled passengers who are not provided with adequate assistance should complain to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (www. Equalityhumanrights.com).

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