Airline Review
AIRLINE REVIEW
ADA guidelines for Airlines:
Air Carrier Access Act
and
Facts for Air Travelers… from the Aviation Consumer Protection Division.
I’ve been on four flights since I’ve been disabled and wheelchair bound. These flights were horrendous experiences. One round trip in 1998, from Providence to Orlando and the other round trip in 2002, from Providence to Orlando. The flight attendants were kind and accommodating, YET I believe the airlines have a long way to go regarding the disabled flying.
I was very uncomfortable that I had to leave my wheelchair at the gate and was told it was to be placed in cargo area. This was very scary to me for if anything happened to my chair, I wouldn’t be able to get around at all.
Then I found it very humiliating to get me to my seat. I was placed on a very small aisle chair, with tiny wheels, which I barely fit on; then I was wheeled down a narrow aisle to my seat; I was then transferred to my seat. Once in my seat, I felt very trapped; for I could not get to the restroom or move about.
Recently, I was told some newer airplanes have wider aisles, accessible restrooms and a folding wheelchair on the plane. I think this would make a trip a lot more enjoyable and easier! Maybe one day, I’ll fly again. There are so many places I would like to visit that are only reachable by plane.
My recommendation is for airlines to have an empty space, located in the front row of plane, which would fit a wheelchair. The wheelchair could then be tied down in place, for safety just like it is in a motor vehicle, a handicap accessible taxi, a bus or a train. This way I could remain seated in my wheelchair, allowing me to feel safer and more secure!! If a wheelchair space was not needed on the flight then they could snap in place some regular passenger seat so that the airline wouldn’t lose money on an empty seat.
I give the Airlines TWO STARS for making some planes more wheelchair accessible. In order to earn the other Three Stars, they would need to provide a space for a wheelchair-seated traveler so they can remain safe and secure in their chair.
May 3rd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I work with people who are in wheelchairs or have other issues with getting around. and I agree the airlines need to make planes more accessible. your suggestion is great
Lori
May 3rd, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Hi Lori,
We really appreciate your comment and know you understand, especially since you work directly with the disabled. As of now, airline traveling for disabled in wheelchairs is still a nightmare because many of us fear that our wheelchairs will be lost or damaged in storage. We think our solution of the airlines adding some wheelchair accessible spaces in the front row of their planes that our chairs could be safely strapped in would be the best solution for the disabled and also for the airline. We, the disabled could safely and comfortably remain in our seat and the airline wouldn’t be liable for loss or damaged wheelchairs in storage. If the wheelchair spaces aren’t taken up by a wheelchair passenger then the airline could snap in place a regular passenger seat so they don’t lose money on an empty seat.
One of the main reasons that we started this site was “To help make the world more sensitive, respectful and accessible to all.”
Maybe together, we and all the readers of our web site could help to make a difference by contacting the Federal Aviation Administration and ask them to consider our suggestion at http://thetravelingwheelchair.com/airline-review/ .
Their contact information is:
Federal Aviation Administration
Consumer Hotline, AOA-20
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20591
Phone: 866-835-5322
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/travel_problems/consumer_hotline/
or
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/contact/.
Thanks again!
Kenny and Company
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:28 am
I trust you would not mind if I put up a part of this on my univeristy blog.