Ann Frye Ann Frye Ltd Accessible Air Travel: Challenges and Options

08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 2 When I book a plane, even months in advance, I am still not sure I am going to reach my final destination. I dont even know if I am going to board. For persons with disabilities, travelling is still a challenge. Stig Langvad, Executive Member, European Disability Forum When I book a plane, even months in advance, I am still not sure I am going to reach my final destination. I dont even know if I am going to board. For persons with disabilities, travelling is still a challenge. Stig Langvad, Executive Member, European Disability Forum

08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 3 " When I landed, there wasn't any proper equipment to take me from the aircraft to my wheelchair." "When I returned they had to carry me onto the plane, up the steps which is not a dignified way to do things and is dangerous." Shuaib Chalklen, UN Special Rapporteur on Disability

The Economic case: Accessible Tourism 08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 4 Disabled American adults spend an average of $13.6 bn a year on travel 88% of disabled Australians take a holiday every year 48% of disabled Germans would travel more frequently if more accessible facilities and services were available.

The Grey Haired Globetrotters 08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 5 The typical tourist in Asia used to be a young backpacker in need of a shower, but these days there are just as many older and retired people roaming the continent seeking its secrets. Travel Weekly Asia

08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 6 Collectively 75% of Canadians, Americans and Europeans with disabilities who are physically and financially able to travel do so with their care givers, family and friends. The current economic climate dictates that we target this emerging market." Barbados Council for Disabled People Report to Caribbean Tourism Organisation

Getting to & from the Airport: Challenges 08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 7 Lack of accessible public transport links between city centres and airports; Limited and expensive options for people with disabilities; Unless all links in the travel chain are complete, people cannot travel with confidence.

Airports - Challenges 08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 8 Long distances Lack of seating Poor signage Absence of visual and/or audible information Lack of assistance/ poorly trained staff Indignity of security searches

Aircraft - Challenges 08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 9 Discriminatory policies: Denied boarding Requiring accompanying person Inadequate briefing Remote stand boarding & de-boarding Rapid turnaround Inaccessible washrooms Loss or damage to mobility equipment

Technology: Challenges 08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 10 Technology is moving ahead of accessibility Many people with disabilities cannot access: Self service check in systems E-gates On-line check-in They often have to call premium rate phone lines to get the service others get free.

Priorities for improvement: Legislation and Enforcement 08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 11 Aviation is a global business, but …. There is legislation on access to air travel in USA, Canada and Europe, among others; but they are not wholly compatible with each other; In many parts of the world there are no access requirements for airports or aircraft and no rights for passengers; ICAO, ECAC and others produce standards and good practice guidance; but it is not enforceable; Universal and compatible policies and standards would be a major advance.

Priorities for improvement: Information 08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 12 Most people are not experienced or frequent flyers; Many of the problems result from lack of information about what air travel is like; People dont know what to expect so they dont know what questions to ask IATA codes are widely misunderstood.

Priorities for improvement: Training 08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 13 Many problems are based on staff ignorance; All customer-facing staff need training in disability awareness and equality; Staff providing direct assistance need in-depth practical training.

Summary: Key Issues 08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 14 Demographic trends and greater availability of low cost air travel mean many more older people and people with disabilities want to travel by air; There is a significant global market for accessible tourism and business travel that can be realised if the right policies and practices are put in place; There are still too many gaps and uncertainties in the travel chain for people to travel with confidence; The social and economic imperatives for change are clear.

Summary: Priorities for change 08/02/2014 Ann Frye Ltd 15 Greater recognition at national and international levels of the economic as well as the social importance of accessible air travel; Compatible and effective global policies and practices on access to air travel, including connections to and from airports; Emphasis on universal design standards so developments in technology do not exclude people with disabilities; Greater emphasis on staff training at every level to understand and meet the needs of travellers with disabilities.

Ann Frye Ann Frye Ltd