The Disabled Motorists Federation

Having had a discussion about disabled people and Air Travel the other day, I decided to write this short article.

Whilst I know that every disabled persons needs are different when travelling on an aircraft, it is up to the individual to make sure that they inform the AIRLINE and not the tour operator of their needs.  You can still inform the tour operator but at the end of the day, they are NOT responsible for the aircraft that takes you on part of your journey, be it domestic or holiday flight.

‘ You may have booked your holiday for instance with Thomas Cook, Thomson’s etc but you may fly with My Travel Airways because that is who they may hire the aircraft from.  The holiday companies/tour operators book your holiday and flight and even book you extra leg room seats but they cannot make the decision on which seats that you can travel in.’

It is always assumed by disabled travellers that they should always have the best seats available on the aircraft.  I am afraid that this is not possible because of safety issues whilst on board.  The most common that I have heard is, “I asked for the front seats next to the emergency exit but they refused to allow me to sit there”.  I understand what they are saying, but it is not possible on aircraft for disabled people to sit in these seats as they may not be able to open the door in an emergency.  Even children under the age of 16 on some airlines are not allowed to sit in these seats.  It is up to the Airline and not the tour operator where people sit on an aircraft depending on their needs.

I have flown on several occasions myself and I have always contacted the airline to ensure that my flight can be as trouble free as possible by explaining my needs to them even though they are not as critical as other people.

The GOLDEN RULE is always contact the Airline that you are flying with to check with them about any special needs that you require whilst flying with them.  If need be, also ask for it in writing so that you can produce proof on the day of your flight.

Possibly the tour operators will take note and hopefully tell disabled travellers that they need to get in touch with the airline.  Until then, it is up to  be left up to you and me to ensure that our flight is what we requested. 

I hope that I have not offended anybody, but this needs to be aired so that people can make adequate preparations for their flight.

Webmon

I know that elsewhere on our website we have links to various Travel Insurance Companies.  However, did you know, that quite a number of people already have travel insurance but do not know about it.  I myself fell into this category and have been paying for travel insurance when I was already covered.  It was not until some weeks ago when I was visiting my friendly bank manager that I was informed that I was already covered for travel insurance via my bank account. 

It seems that when I upgraded my account to a Platinum Account with Lloyds TSB that travel insurance was included with the various other items as well.  It was not until I asked the bank manager about a quote for travel insurance for my upcoming holiday that I found that I was already covered and that all I had to do was to inform Lloyds Insurance of my medical conditions.  The bank manager did this for me and all was well. 

I am not suggesting that this may be the best option for everybody, but I found that the cover was adequate for myself and my wife's needs.  Also may I say that the insurance people are very friendly and courteous and will try their best to help you.

So, before you go out and purchase Travel Insurance, check to see if you are already covered via your bank account, it could save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

Webmon

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Have a look at the following check list:- 

AIRPORT PARKING FOR BLUE BADGE HOLDERS AND PASSENGERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Are you a blue badge holder or have special needs that may require wheelchair access looking for airport car parking?

If so, then this short article will help to explain what options are available and how you can go about making enquiries or bookings to ensure you have a comfortable and hassle free journey to the airport.

When planning a holiday or trip that involves air travel you need to know that the whole journey is accessible before you set out. Encountering a problem at any stage of the journey such as not being able to find assistance, or a particular vehicle not being accessible could ruin the whole experience, leave you stranded or even stop you from traveling altogether.

Whether you are a disabled traveler or require wheelchair access it is worth taking the time and trouble to plan your travel arrangements before you set out, so that you can enjoy your trip and the journey itself can be a pleasure.

If you are flying from a UK airport you may require airport car parking. Recently I had an email from a customer enquiring about disabled parking facilities. To my surprise we had very little information on our website and when I looked on other websites there was also a lack of information.

This led me to spend some considerable time putting together all the information a traveler with special needs may require when considering their car parking arrangements at the airport. I have covered the five main UK airports which account for over 60% of passenger traffic. I will be updating our information for other airports in due course, meanwhile you can visit our website for the most up to date information regarding your departure airport.

www.parking4less.co.uk/disabled-parking.html

Jo Johnson

Customer Services

Parking4less

Please note: at all UK airports, for security reasons, the blue badge (previously orange badge) scheme applies in car parks only. There is no waiting period outside the terminal buildings and no vehicles can be left unattended.

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Advice About Owning Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles & Adapted Cars.

  
More people are moving away from the Motability Scheme and are now purchasing their own vehicles. When buying an adapted or wheelchair accessible vehicle it is important that the conversion has been done by a specialist company.

Accessible Travel & Leisure

A travel company that only deals with holidays for disabled people.

All holidays are checked out by the company for suitablity.

(They will ask for your specific needs, please have the information ready before contacting them)

Ring for their brochure for tailor-made holidays in:

Spain, Tenerife, Majorca, Cyprus, Egypt, South Africa, Cruises and much more.

Tel: 01452 729739

www.accessibletravel.co.uk

Global Star Travel

This is a travel agent with specialist knowledge of Disabled Travel anywhere in the world.

Car hire/airport parking/airport hotels/private transfers – whatever the service give them a call.

If you wish to travel, but are not sure how to go about it with your disability, give them a ring.

Tel: 0870 7409100

www.global-star-travel.co.uk.

Enable Holidays

A company specialising in holidays for disabled people for further information:

Tel: 0871 2224940

Email info@enableholidays.com

www.enableholidays.com

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