Disabled passengers and persons with reduced mobility

Regulation EC1107/2006 sets out rights for “disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air”.  The Regulation applies to a journey on departure from, on transit through, or on arrival at, an airport in an EU* country.  The main parts also apply to a journey from an airport outside the EU* to an EU* airport on an EU* airline.

The general rule is that airlines must not refuse to accept a reservation or to carry a passenger on the grounds of disability or reduced mobility.  However, an airline may refuse to honour your reservation or allow you to board the aircraft if:

· You have not told your booking agent, tour operator or airline of your disability at least 48 hours before travel,

· or for safety reasons,

· or if the aircraft doors are too small.

The Regulation requires EU* Member States to nominate a body to enforce it.  In the UK, this is the Civil Aviation Authority.  The Regulation also requires Member States to nominate a body to which a passenger may complain if they think they have been denied their rights.  The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland will handle complaints from the public about airports in Northern Ireland.  For all other UK airports please contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

It is worth bearing in mind, however, that the Regulation does not provide any automatic rights to compensation.  For further information you may like to take a look at these websites;

Consumer Council for Northern Ireland

Equality and Human Rights Commission

Civil Aviation Authority
 

Special requests

If you are likely to have any needs for which you think an airline might have to make special arrangements you must discuss them with the airline or travel agent as soon as you start to plan your trip.

You may find that your choice of airline will have to be based on which one can best meet your particular needs. And before you book, ask if the airline is going to charge extra for any special services it has agreed to provide for you.

Some examples of the sorts of needs for which airlines might have to make special arrangements for are if
 
· you are physically disabled and may need help getting around airport terminals, on and off the plane, or moving around inside the cabin;
 
· you will be travelling with babies or very young children (particularly if you will need a cot);
 
· you are buying a ticket for an unaccompanied minor (you will need to check the age limit with the airline concerned);
 
· you have special dietary needs.
 
This list is only a sample. If you are not sure whether your particular requirements fit into the category of 'special requests' ask the airline or the travel agent.

*This includes all EU Member States plus EEA countries.

For a list of EU Member States and EEA countries click here