Air Travel Guide - Disabled Travel
Canadian government brochure is detailed and helpful
Travellers with disabilities will find the Canadian Transportation Agency's brochure and website very helpful when planning to travel by air.
The amount of things to consider when planning a trip by air can be confusing for travellers with disabilities. Flying with a disability is both possible and accessible. There is guidance available. Even if you are not flying on a flight regulated by the Canadian government, much of the information from the Canadian Transportation Agency will come in handy when flying as or with a disabled passenger.
The Canadian Transportation Agency has a website with a whole section devoted to Accessible Transportation. In the "Publications" area there is a brochure called A Guide for Persons with Disabilities: Taking Charge of the Air Travel Experience.
The Table of Contents includes these headings:
Making Specific Needs Known
Steps Along the Way
· Things to keep in mind
· Selecting the right flight
· Making reservations
· Seat selection
· Preparing for the trip
On the Move
· Getting to the terminal
· At the terminal
· Checking in
· Boarding the aircraft
· Preparing for takeoff
· During the flight
· Leaving the aircraft
· Leaving the airport
· Travelling outside Canada
Bon Voyage to All
Checklist
The brochure is detailed and descriptive.
The airlines are supposed to accommodate travellers with disabilities so that these passengers do not face undue obstacles. The airlines are not expected to provide "extraordinary services". Of course, the lines between these two things can be blurry, but for the most part, the Canadian Transportation Agency seems to have a fairly comprehensive understanding of what is and is not a reasonable thing for a traveller to expect.
To begin with, the traveller is expected to self-identify as a person with a disability.
"Travellers need not discuss personal details about their disability. Carriers require only information related to the services to be provided. Travellers with disabilities know their needs.
"A carrier will accept the word of a person with a disability that he or she will not need extraordinary services during the trip. Extraordinary services not usually provided by carriers include personal services such as:
- helping a passenger eat and drink;
- helping a passenger take his or her medication;
- providing personal help inside the washroom;
- providing passenger information when verbal and written communication is not possible; and
- accompanying a passenger requiring supervision for medical reasons."
Typically airline websites also say that the airline staff will not lift or carry the passenger. However, it is possible to get help on the plane if you follow the advice in the brochure - identify yourself at the time of booking your flight, make your needs clear, and be as prepared as you can be.
This brochure is so detailed and easy to follow that it would be helpful for travellers going anywhere by air, not just within Canada.
