EU Flying Made Easier for Disabled Passengers

Paris, France
August 14, 2007

Good news for travelers in the EU with reduced mobility who used to be faced with endless hurdles and discrimination while using public transport, particularly at airports throughout Europe. As of early August, elderly or disabled passengers will no longer be refused a seat on flights within the EU following the introduction of new rules, and from July next year, there will be no charge for help with wheelchairs or guide dogs.

The new regulations are mainly in response to a number of high profile cases of passengers with disabilities being charged for the use of wheelchairs, for assistance in boarding low-cost flights, or even being barred from taking a flight. Almost 5 million people in the EU are affected by reduced mobility, according to EU figures.

Airport personnel is to follow disability awareness training, and from July 2008 passengers should have a smooth passage from check-in to boarding and will be awarded compensation if wheelchairs or other mobility equipment is damaged during the flight.

Disabled passengers and those traveling with them are being encouraged by the European Disability Forum to complain to the relevant airline, airport or one of the national centers being set up if they are not satisfied with the way they have been treated, resulting in possible sanctions or fines for the organizations at fault.

Best regards,

Maria Savage
International Living's European Consultant