Around 15 per cent of the global population has a disability, and that figure is set to rise
Imagine being stranded at an airport, not being able to use the bathroom on an aeroplane, or lacking access to the IFE system. For many
travellers, such instances would prompt a flurry of outrage, but for those with accessibility needs – which includes people with mobility issues, visual and hearing impairments, neuro divergencies such as autism or ADHD, and other special requirements – it’s all too often a normal part of the travel experience.
British TV presenter Sophie Morgan is no stranger to the issues faced by travellers with accessibility needs. After her wheelchair was broken on a flight between London to Los Angeles in March this year (for the second time), she become the face of Rights on Flights, a national campaign to reform the industry and make it more inclusive.
“From beginning to end there are barriers when it comes to flying,” says Morgan. “I think it’s something that non-disabled people take for granted, and when you begin to understand the pain points, people are surprised that it’s still such a nightmare in this day and age – but it is.
“This includes everything from navigating airports, which can be quite overwhelming if you are neurodiverse or have ADHD, for example. Then there are examples of people who are blind being put into wheelchairs to get them through the airport because that’s all the assistance seems to be.
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Business Traveller UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Business Traveller UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Cathay Pacific A350-900, business class LONDON-HONG KONG
BACKGROUND Cathay Pacific serves this route with the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350. Both aircraft feature the Safran Cirrus seat in business class.
COMO Metropolitan Singapore
BACKGROUND Singaporean brand COMO Hotels and Resorts launched its first property in its home country in September 2023, integrating its lifestyle and wellness brands into the hotel space.
Voco Auckland City Centre
BACKGROUND New Zealand's first voco hotel opened its doors in May 2022.
Anantara Grand Krasnapolsky, Amsterdam
BACKGROUND Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas opened its first hotel in the Netherlands in 2022, though the property has been part of Minor Hotels group since 2000 - most recently as a 451-room NH Collection property.
Locke am Platz, Enge, Zurich
BACKGROUND Locke is a design-led serviced apartment brand from hospitality company edyn. It launched in 2016 and has properties in Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Berlin and Munich (see businesstraveller.com/tried-and-tested).
AEGEAN A320neo, business class ATHENS-LONDON HEATHROW
BACKGROUND Greece's national flag carrier celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The Star Alliance member has launched a fourth daily service to Heathrow along with new flights to Sarajevo and Vilnius.
Iberia confirmed as A321XLR launch customer
IBERIA WILL BE THE FIRST carrier worldwide to take delivery of the Airbus A321XLR (Xtra Long Range') later this year.
BRITISH AIRWAYS INTRODUCES DISCOUNTED THAMES CLIPPERS FARES TO LONDON CITY AIRPORT
BRITISH AIRWAYS HAS LAUNCHED a new partnership with the Thames Clippers service, offering customers discounted fares to London City Airport.
BRITISH AIRWAYS TO LAUNCH FLIGHTS TO IVALO AND TROMSØ
BRITISH AIRWAYS HAS ANNOUNCED new winter routes to Ivalo in Finland and Tromsø in Norway.
Your attention, please
After a string of recent turbulence fiascos, we chart the history of the inflight safety video to see if the latest crop is up to the task...
