The Sky Should Be the Limit, Not Disability: Why We Must Demand Change in Air Travel

In the 1990s, I worked with Mary Wilkinson, the editor of Disability Now, and Ann Frye, the Head of the Inclusion Unit at the Department of Transport, to advocate for improved compensation for disabled individuals whose wheelchairs were damaged by airlines. This campaign, Flight Rights, aimed to address the inadequate compensation for the damage caused to wheelchair users' equipment. 

Almost thirty years later, Channel 4, a UK TV station, aired a compelling documentary hosted by Sophie Morgan that deeply moved and concerned me.

Fight to Fly sheds light on the often degrading and dehumanising experiences faced by disabled individuals, particularly those with severe disabilities, when attempting to fly. This eye-opening exposé highlighted the crucial "Rights on Flights" campaign, which aims to revolutionise air travel for disabled passengers.

As someone who believes in the dignity and equality of all individuals and has more than a passing interest in the subject, I am compelled to speak out about this issue. Here's why we must all support this campaign:

People, Not Packages

It's disturbing to learn that many disabled travellers feel they are treated more like cargo than human beings. From being separated from essential mobility equipment to enduring uncomfortable and undignified boarding processes, the current system often fails to recognise the humanity and individual needs of disabled passengers. This is not just inconvenient – it's a violation of basic human dignity.

The Right to Travel with Dignity

Travel is not a luxury; it's a fundamental right that should be accessible to everyone. However, for many disabled individuals, air travel remains a daunting, sometimes traumatic experience. Imagine being unable to use the restroom during a long flight, feeling vulnerable as strangers handle your body during transfers, or arriving at your destination to find your wheelchair has been damaged. These are not mere inconveniences – they are barriers that can make travel impossible and isolate individuals from opportunities and experiences many of us take for granted.

The Power of Lived Experience

To improve air travel for disabled passengers, we must centralise their voices and experiences in developing solutions. It's not enough for non-disabled individuals to guess what might work. We need the invaluable insights of those who have navigated these challenges firsthand. By engaging disabled individuals in the design process, we can create meaningful improvements that respect their dignity and meet their actual needs.

A Personal Appeal

I urge each of you reading this to take a moment and truly consider how it would feel to be treated as an inconvenience, disrupting the normal flow of passengers. To have your independence stripped away, your needs overlooked, and your humanity diminished. This is the reality for many disabled air travellers, and it's a reality we have the power – and the responsibility – to change.

How You Can Help

Support the "Rights on Flights" campaign. Share this post and the stories of disabled travellers. Advocate for inclusive design in your professional networks. If you work in the aviation industry, push for change from within. And for everyone, the next time you travel, be aware of the experiences of disabled passengers around you. A little understanding and support can go a long way.

Let's work towards a future where air travel is truly accessible, dignified, and humane for everyone. The sky should be the limit, not disability.