[Scribbler]

I realise there are many of you that have flown long haul to various Countries and you don’t appear to have come across too many problems.

I have been searching the Internet for flights to South Africa and it doesn’t matter which Airline I look at, I always see a clause in the section regarding Assistance for Disabled Passengers, which states. “Due to Health & Safety Rules, the staff who assist you onto the aircraft will not lift you into your seat”. It then added, “The person accompanying you must do this”.

I thought I’d get some clarification on this, and phoned British Airways. The person I spoke to was very polite and helpful, explaining the whole procedure. I then asked him about the Health & Safety rules and quoted the said clause.

His reply was this: - “Yes you are correct about the Health & Safety Regulations but we will assist you as much as possible but it depends who you get on the day”. My reply was, “What’s the point of booking my flights only to be told after check-in, “Sorry Sir, but Fred’s assisting you today and he’s adhering to the Health & Safety Regulations so wont help liift you”.

Has anyone any advice or experience regarding Airline Policy on this matter?

Thanks

Mike

[wbalenov]

I travel alone almost exclusively and the major carriers have no problems assisting you...in fact they almost always ask me if I need assistance transferring.

They won't risk you making a scene or delaying the flight....and they are quite amicable.

Just stick with US or Canadian carriers. Although both LAN Chile and Aerolineas Argentinas always assisted me!

Cheers ...Walt!

[Scribbler]

Thanks Walt but I'm in England, plus I keep reading these strict rules about Health & Safety and that the staff wont help lift me from the w/c into the aircaft seat. I'm sure its just to cover themselves against insurance claims or law suits. No way could my carer lift me across the arm of the aircraft seat on her own, so I'm sure everyone will be helpful. The irony is, I was a pilot in the Air Force and now I'm finding problems getting a seat...

Mike

[HiltonP]

Scribbler . . . There are two different groups of people involved here.

The airlines, and airline staff, handle in-flight operations (i.e. while the aircraft is flying).
The ground staff, and airports company, handle you getting onto, and off, the aircraft.

The answers you are getting are correct, the aircraft crew will not assist you in embarking and disembarking. It is not unique to BA, or SA, it applies throughout the world. The airline has nothing to do with you getting onto the plane, or into your seat, that is the job of the ground staff / airports company. That is what they are trained and equipped to do.

Enjoy your trip, just be careful in SA !!

[Scribbler]

HiltonP, on Sep 22 2008, 08:46 AM, said:

Scribbler . . . There are two different groups of people involved here.

The airlines, and airline staff, handle in-flight operations (i.e. while the aircraft is flying).
The ground staff, and airports company, handle you getting onto, and off, the aircraft.

The answers you are getting are correct, the aircraft crew will not assist you in embarking and disembarking. It is not unique to BA, or SA, it applies throughout the world. The airline has nothing to do with you getting onto the plane, or into your seat, that is the job of the ground staff / airports company. That is what they are trained and equipped to do.

Enjoy your trip, just be careful in SA !!

Thanks HiltonP for the information, it was most helpful. I thought it strange that so many SCI people travel without problems, but the Airlines Policy was very confusing. I now realise it will be the Airport Staff that put me on and off the aircraft, which has eased my worries.

I used to go an many Cruises and it was always special people who took w/c passengers on and off the ship, so I guess its the same for Airlines.

I'm going on a Luxury Safari which is all w/c assesible. It will be an adventure of a life-time so I'll be careful and wont frighten the lions.. I know SA has a reputation for crime, but I'm not going to those areas, I'm going to Durban and the Elephant coast. I will be accomponied by the tour operater all the time, plus my PA.

Thanks fot replying.

Mike

[HiltonP]

Are you going with EPIC-ENABLED ? . . .

Don't worry about airports, aircraft, or how you will get into, on, off of out of them. Just focus on your diet prior to flying, keeping your liquid levels up during the flight, and your bum comfortable.

[Scribbler]

HiltonP, on Sep 22 2008, 03:14 PM, said:

Are you going with EPIC-ENABLED ? . . .

Don't worry about airports, aircraft, or how you will get into, on, off of out of them. Just focus on your diet prior to flying, keeping your liquid levels up during the flight, and your bum comfortable.

No I'm not going with Epic Enabled whom I think just have lots of disabled together.

There will only be myself and my PA, with our own Game Ranger and tour host. Everything has been tried and tested, as her husband is a C4 so knows what's needed.

I have websites a photo of the Game Lodges and accommodation, it was just the handling at airports that concerned me. I'll not drink alcohol on the flights but just water, I'll also sit on my Roho cushion as I have 2 sizes.

I've been injured 50 years and never had a pressure sore so don't intend to let my standards slip now.

Thanks HiltonP

[ewar]

Hi
Don't worry about the flight, I am about to go on my 3rd flight to South Africa 1st time SA Airlines 2nd time Air France this time October 21st Lufthansa. All will lift you in and out of the seat on the aircraft. Seats will be allocated by the airlines as they have seats whereby the arm rests lift up. Just book he flight then ring the airline special needs to specify your requirements.
Go and enjoy.
Regards
Eddie
C7/T1