Travelers with Disabilities
The medical preparation of a traveler with a stable, ongoing disability does not differ from that of any other traveler. The keys to safe, accessible travel are that each anticipated international itinerary must be assessed on an individual basis, in consultation with specialized travel agencies or tour operators; that travel health providers be consulted for additional recommendations; and that print and Internet resources be utilized as well (1).
Air Travel
By law, U.S. air carriers must comply with highly detailed regulations which affect people with disabilities. These do not cover foreign carriers serving the United States. However, all U.S. and non-U.S. carriers are required to file annual reports of disability-related complaints with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT maintains a toll-free hotline (1-800-778-4838, available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) to provide real-time assistance in facilitating compliance with DOT rules and to suggest customer-service solutions to the airlines. Carriers may not refuse transportation on the basis of disability. Airlines may not require advance notice that a person with a disability is traveling; however, they may require up to 48 hours advance notice for certain accommodations that require preparation time.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) member airlines voluntarily adhere to codes of practice that are very similar to U.S. legislation based on guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (2). However, smaller airlines overseas may not be IATA members. Airlines are obliged to accept a declaration by a passenger that he/she is self-reliant. Medical certificates can be required only in specific situations (for example, if a person intends to travel with a possible communicable disease, will require a stretcher or oxygen, or if unusual behavior is anticipated that may affect the operation of the flight). When a disabled person requests assistance, the airline is obliged to provide access to the aircraft door (preferably by a level entry bridge), an aisle wheelchair, and a seat with removable armrests. Aircraft with fewer than 30 seats are generally exempt. Airline personnel are not required to transfer passengers from wheelchair to wheelchair, wheelchair to aircraft seat, or wheelchair to lavatory seat. Disabled passengers who cannot transfer themselves should travel with a companion or attendant, but carriers may not without reason require a person with a disability to travel with an attendant. Only wide-body aircraft with two aisles are required to have fully accessible lavatories, although any aircraft with more than 60 seats must have an on-board wheelchair, and personnel must assist with movement of the wheelchair from the seat to the area outside the lavatory. Wet-acid batteries in electric wheelchairs may require special separate stowage. Airline personnel are not obliged to assist with feeding, visiting the lavatory, or dispensing medication to travelers.
Internationally standardized codes for classifying disabled passengers and their needs are available in all computerized reservations systems. Disabled passengers should use travel agents experienced in the use of the disability coding; it is critical that appropriate codes and inter-airline messages are sequentially entered for all flights. The delivering carrier is always responsible for a disabled passenger until a subsequent carrier physically accepts responsibility for that passenger.
Service Animals
Service animals are not exempt from compliance with quarantine regulations and so may not be allowed to travel to all international destinations. They are also subject to US Animal Import Regulations on return. (See Chapter 7).
Cruise Ships
U.S. companies or entities conducting programs or tours on cruise ships have obligations regarding access for travelers with disabilities, even if the ship itself is of foreign registry (see Chapter 7). However, all travelers with disabilities should check with individual cruise lines regarding availability of requested or needed items prior to booking. Cruises are available that cater to travelers with special needs, such as dialysis patients.
References
- A world of options (a guide to international exchange, community service and travel for persons with disabilities). Christa Bucks, ed. 3rd edition. Eugene, OR: Mobility International U.S.A.
- Convention on International Civil Aviation. International Civil Aviation Organization. Chapter 8, Annex 9 Attachment 2: ICAO-recommended practices relating to persons with disabilities. Available at: http://www.icao.org/. (Accessed 5 December 2006.)
