Flying there? Challenges in accessible air travel in Europe

This chapter considers accessible transport, focusing on air transport which is the most important transport mode for modern day international tourists. Moreover, the air travel journey is crucial for tourism as it is usually the first and last experience of the tourist. Focusing on Europe, the chapter argues that there is a lack of holistic approach to accessible air travel with a need for a more all-embracing attitude to the planning and regulation of the provision of accessible air travel services, and with a requirement for better co-ordination and integration with the different stakeholders involved.
After identifying the importance of air travel to tourism, starting from a tourist perspective, both hidden and non-hidden disabilities within the context of air travellers are examined. The challenges and constraints faced by this heterogeneous group are identified, particularly in relation to the overall tourism experience and barriers to travel. This is followed by an examination of current air transport regulations and standards governing the provision of accessible services focusing within Europe, (the EU and the UK), and the challenges confronting passengers.
Using this as the context, the chapter brings together evidence through primary research and key secondary studies undertaken from the perspective of different stakeholders and highlights the current gaps and weaknesses in the planning and provision of services. The focus is on the whole passenger journey (getting to and from the airport, the airport experience, the airline experience) which often has been neglected in previous research where the emphasis is too narrow and considered just from a passenger, airline or airport viewpoint. These findings identify the challenges facing passengers with reduced mobilities when air travel is delivered compartmentally, and how providing a holistic air travel journey that is fully accessible and inclusive creates an overall positive tourist experience.