Back in May last year, I flew to Brazil on my first plane trip since my accident. I was nervous. I didn't know what to expect and wrote about it here. And I wasn't too reassured by an article in Disability Now in October which read "A wheelchair user was denied the right to fly by herself by an airline that claimed new EU legislation meant she must be accompanied by a carer...The new legislation says that anyone unable to fasten their seat-belt, leave their seat and reach an emergency exit unaided should in most cases be accompanied".
I'm therefore reassured that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have published guidance for air travellers. They say:
"Last July, a new EU law came into force which means that anyone who is disabled or has difficulty moving around can now ask for the right service when they need it – from the travel agent or tour operator, airline or airport, for example help finding you the most suitable seat on your flight or help when you board the plane.
"You do not need to be permanently or physically disabled to benefit from this service. In fact, anyone who has difficulty moving around, for example, because of their disability, age or a temporary injury such as a broken leg, can receive help when they fly".
The EHRC have also published a "free easy-to-use guide - 'Your rights to fly' - explaining all about the services available to you". You can find out more on their website.
(I wonder what Liz Carr thinks about this. I read a great article about her experiences of flying on the BBC Ouch site).
