Going on holiday? Know your rights at airports…

Air travel is not covered by the DDA, but is governed by a voluntary code of practice, published by the Department for Transport. This code sets out the minimum standards of service that disabled passengers can expect, for instance, assistance with boarding the plane, getting to the toilet, fetching items, reading menus, opening food packages etc.

Whilst air travel is not covered by the DDA, airports, as a transport infrastructure are. This means that airports in the UK should be physically accessible to disabled people and reasonable adjustments should be made to allow you to access the services provided.

Companies such as BMI, British Airways, EasyJet, FlyBE, Excel Airlines, Mytravel and Virgin all support the voluntary code of practice but you need to be aware that other airlines do not and that the code only applies those based in the UK.

Due to the code's standards not always being met, the European Commission has proposed new regulation on air travel for disabled passengers. The EU regulation has been passed and will come into full force in 2008. When in effect, the code will prevent airlines from denying disabled people permission to travel, outlaw charging for assistance and set up an independent complaints body.

In the meantime, disabled passengers are advised to inform airlines of their access needs as early as possible. The Disabled People's Transport Advisory Council provides a guide for disabled air travellers and a website covering all aspects of disabled travel. If you do feel you have been discriminated against while travelling, the Disability Rights Commission [now known as the Equality and Human Rights Commission] can advise you on what to do about it.

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