Air travel is an exciting experience for many, especially those who travel for pleasure and have the opportunity to visit new places with loved ones. However, for those with disabilities, traveling by air can be a daunting experience. There are numerous factors that play into ensuring a disabled person can travel smoothly and enjoyably. One of those factors is by flying with disability friendly airlines.
This blog post explores the top 10 airlines preferred by those with disabilities because of their accessibility, and support and understanding from the airline staff members.
1. Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines is one of the recognized airlines because of their commitment to accessibility. The airline makes sure that passengers with disabilities receive the services they need to comfortably board and disembark the plane once they arrive at their destination.
Delta airline staff also undergo the necessary training to better assist their passengers with disabilities.
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2. Air Canada
Air Canada recently released their Air Canada’s Accessibility Plan 2023-2026 much to the appreciation of the disability community.
Their plan is comprehensive from offering pre-boarding services for passengers with disabilities such as safe handling of their manual and electric wheelchair, accessible lavatories, and website and mobile app accessibility among others.
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3. Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines has gained recognition for its innovative initiatives for disability-friendly travel. The airline made sure that its staff are all equipped to provide assistance to disabled passengers, their inflight service guide with Braille, large characters and voice code.
They have also started improving their domestic airports by establishing special assistance counters for passengers who might need a wheelchair for rent services or other assistance when boarding flights.
4. Emirates Airlines
Emirates is committed to providing an inclusive and comfortable flying experience to all of its passengers. They have a dedicated webpage for Accessible Travel to provide information on the services the airline provides for passengers who are hearing impaired, visually impaired, and intellectual or developmental disability.
Emirates also offers priority boarding and Emirates Wheelchair Assistance for passengers who would need assistance in boarding.
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5. Southwest Airlines
One of the most disability-friendly airlines in the United States, Southwest Airlines ensures their customers are aware of the services they provide for disability-related needs before and during their flights.
Aside from the usual services, Southwest Airlines also take pride in their partnerships with different local and national organizations that support the disability community.
6. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways’ website has extensive information for those passengers with disabilities wishing to fly with the airline. They ask their passengers who would require special assistance to contact them beforehand in order to better meet their requirements.
This service is not just limited to those passengers with mobility issues and might need a mobility scooter or would ask for special handling for their mobility products but also for those who have strict dietary requirements, allergies or escort services for the visually impaired.
7. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic’s services for those with disabilities also extend to those with a hidden disability. They also ensure their passengers who would need help with medication and would need to fly with medical equipment are properly assisted.
The airline also made sure their passengers who need to fly with their assistance or guide dog are well aware of the requirements and documents they need to have for their dogs to travel with them in the cabin.
8. United Airlines
United Airlines provides numerous services for accessible travel such as accessible seating, entertainment, traveling with medications and medical equipment, traveling with wheelchairs and other mobility products, traveling with a service animal, and senior travelers, etc.
9. Lufthansa Airlines
When you visit Lufthansa airlines’ website, you’d immediately notice their commitment to inclusivity with a disclaimer stating they would not refuse transportation to a passenger with a disability.
The website also provides information for passengers with respiratory problems and passengers traveling with other assistive products.
10. JetBlue Airways
Similar to other airlines mentioned in this list, JetBlue Airways also has a dedicated webpage for accessibility assistance. Even before the flight, JetBlue already takes into consideration the accessibility needs of all its passengers and possible clients by making their website and other digital platforms accessible.
The airline also has a dedicated webpage to handle air travel accessibility concerns.
Conclusion
Accessibility in air travel is now the norm and it’s encouraging to see airlines taking the necessary steps to provide a more inclusive travel experience for their passengers. These top 10 disability-friendly airlines are a testament to the positive changes that the aviation industry is doing to support accessible tourism.
Gilani Mobility is a mobility solutions expert in the UAE that works hand in hand with airlines in providing mobility products for disabled passengers.
