Have you heard of the Rights on Flights Campaign? This campaign was created by Sophie Morgan (TV presenter and author) last year after becoming increasingly frustrated from several experiences of flying where she wasn’t treated with the respect of her fellow non disabled passengers, especially when it came to the way her mobility equipment was treated. This is something I was incredibly excited to hear about as sadly I have had endless experiences of my own wheelchairs being lost or broken beyond repair when travelling around the world, as well as dealing with the inhumane ways we are treated and handled when boarding aeroplanes or using the toilets on board.

In September last year, at the House of Commons in Westminster, Sophie made huge strides and  unveiled her new proposal aimed at urging the government to implement stronger laws and regulations to safeguard Disabled travelers. The initiative (Rights on Flights), highlighted the pressing need for the aviation industry to prioritize the needs of Disabled individuals. In June 2023, significant legal reforms were initiated, addressing the persistent challenges faced by Disabled travelers and airlines alike. These reforms included empowering the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to impose financial penalties on airlines failing in their responsibilities towards disabled passengers.

The newly proposed legislation, named the “Assisted Air Travel Act,” encompasses various key provisions:

1. Introduction of a Complaint Resolution Official to address issues affecting disabled individuals promptly.
2. Establishment of clear procedures for the transportation of mobility aids.
3. Implementation of legal obligations for ensuring accessibility in airports and aircraft.
4. Provision for funding free transport of carers when required to comply with safety regulations.
5. Implementation of a streamlined process for addressing instances of damaged or lost mobility aids.
6. Introduction of a tiered enforcement system, including direct compensation for minor violations.
7. Enhanced participation of disabled individuals in decision-making processes of airport management bodies and airlines.

The recent event and manifesto follow Scope UK’s revelations of failures in accommodating disabled passengers on flights. Alarming statistics indicate a significant number of disabled travelers lodging accessibility-related complaints with airports, airlines, or the CAA. Additionally, concerns about medication loss or damage have deterred a substantial portion of disabled individuals from flying in recent years, highlighting the profound impact of these issues on millions of travelers and their families.

Sophie Morgan’s personal experiences, coupled with a traumatic incident involving substantial damage to her wheelchair, spurred the immediate need for tangible action, leading to the inception of Rights on Flights. While the ultimate aim of the campaign is to redesign aircraft for inclusive air travel, the immediate focus is on providing adequate support and assistance to ensure disabled passengers can travel safely and confidently.

I think what Sophie is pushing here is critical to help enable disabled people to experience international travel just like everyone else. Since retiring from elite sport I have steered clear of flying anywhere, due to the risk of damage to my equipment and indecent processes which we have to undergo to board and disembark a fight. This campaign gives me hope that one day I will have confidence to fly again without fear, and continue travelling the world and having adventures in new places which I truly love.