The golden rule with all travel is to be prepared, especially if you or your travelling companion have special requirements for accessibility. This post talks about how to go about travelling when accessibility is of the highest importance.
Plan Ahead
Choose tour operators or package holidays that can cater for your needs, if you need some guidance wheelchair travel experts like Cory Lee will have tonnes of useful information on their site about travelling. You may need to get in contact with them prior to booking to check if they have accessible options included and cater for special dietary requirements and accommodation needs. Some providers may need a little time to prepare appropriate measures for you, others may have them built in. Be specific and detailed about what you need as not everyone will necessarily be an expert in the
Air Travel
In the UK, airports are all fairly well equipped to handle disabled access, but depending on which airline, terminal, or tour operator you fly with, access will vary. You can hire accessible vehicles in advance to make your journey from the airport as smooth and stress free as possible. As always, make sure the cabin crew are made aware of any special requirements and they can help you have a more comfortable flight.
- Wheelchairs
You won’t be able to take your own wheelchair into the cabin with you in-flight – it will need to be stored in the hold and a special cabin-friendly chair will be provided.
- Companions or Carers
Your airline will do its utmost to get you seated together if assistance is needed – just make sure you give 48 hours’ notice.
- Guide Dogs
You’re entitled to have your guide dog travel with you, but you’ll need to make sure all the appropriate guidelines are adhered to.
- The Right to Help
With a disability when travelling in European airports, you have the right to help at various stages of the airport process including check in, moving through the airport and boarding.
Public Transport
If you don’t have access to your own vehicle, or prefer to not have the hassle of bringing your own car or van, airport transfers by train and taxi should be booked in advance with any special requirements highlighted. Many taxi services have specially adapted cars, but these can be pricey for long trips, so get a quote beforehand. The law does stipulate that public bus drivers must assist in the required manner to help aid disabled people on and off the bus should thy require assistance.
As with all travel, it’s all in the preparation, research and planning. The time it takes to plan your trip is definitely worth the amount of time and energy it will solve when it comes to travelling day.
