Package holidays and the disabled traveller
(for England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
A disabled person is 'someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities'. Part three of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) allows disabled people to challenge discrimination by the providers of goods, facilities and services. This could be at the point of booking or on arrival at the destination. A recent EC Directive has improved the law respecting the rights of those who have reduced mobility.
Reduced mobility passengers cannot be denied access to a flight due to their impairment except where legal safety requirements are involved or if the size of the aircraft door make it impossible to board the passenger. Should this be the case then the passengers must be presented with an explanation for the refusal.
There are checks you should make to ensure the destination is suitable for you such as terrain, climate, access to medical facilities, do you have adequate insurance coverage, etc? It is also advisable, before paying a deposit and booking the holiday, to put in writing to both the tour operator and the travel agent your specific needs. If extra help is needed on the journey, you should state exactly when and where such assistance will be required. You will need to take any required medical equipment with you, and to check that it will work abroad.
