The Intersection of Travel and Disability
Flying Has Become Hell for Passengers in Wheelchairs.
Travelability Insider Insight: The most powerful video we’ve found to date: For millions of wheelchair users, flying on an airplane means undergoing a series of indignities, and sometimes even dealing with a broken chair upon arrival. View the video here.
Dubai Airport is introducing a comprehensive new program to ensure the delivery of a sector-leading, inclusive, and seamless travel experience for all People of Determination (POD) with hidden disabilities that travel through Dubai International (DXB).
As part of Dubai Airport’s shared values ‘We all meet the world differently’, this new initiative will contribute to the UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021 vision for Dubai to be the world’s leading disability-friendly city and barrier-free community empowering and welcoming all POD travelers. Read more.
Flights can be stressful, intimidating, and, worst of all, downright exhausting. Despite this, aircraft as a transportation method is now just part of the modern, convenient travel experience, especially if you want to go long distances.
Airports themselves can be a minefield for those who are autistic. But thankfully, things have improved significantly over time (varies country by country). Airlines, too, are getting better all the time at providing support to disabled passengers. Here are some valuable airport and plane tips and strategies to help you plan and take your next trip. Read more.
Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for US airlines, along with seven of its passenger airline members – Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest and United – have announced a pledge to improve accessible air travel for all passengers with disabilities, including those with mobility, cognitive and social disabilities. As part of the commitment, A4A’s passenger airlines have pledged to four actions intended to improve accessibility, while continuing to prioritize the safety of all passengers. In addition to the four-part commitment, A4A says that its passenger airline members meet all Department of Transportation (DOT) accessibility standards and fully support the rights of passengers with disabilities set forth in the DOT’s Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, most especially the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Read More.
Rumeysa Gelgi, the world’s tallest living woman, recently boarded an airplane from her home country of Turkey to San Francisco. However, it wasn’t just any flight. It was Gelgi’s first, and one that highlighted growing attention to accessibility.
Gelgi, 25, stands at 7 feet, 7 inches tall. Her proportions are a result of Weaver syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes bone overgrowth. She regularly travels to share her story and uses her warm wit to spread body positivity on social media. However, despite her international profile, she had never flown on an airplane before. Like many people with Weaver syndrome, Gelgi uses mobility aids to get around, and a long flight would require special accommodation for her extraordinary frame. But in September, Gelgi finally took to the skies. All was made possible after Turkish Airlines removed several seats on the plane so Gelgi could rest comfortably on a stretcher during the 13-hour journey from Istanbul to California. Read More.
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