When travelling by air within Australia, regulations exist regarding the provision of air carriers to accommodate people with a disability. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has extensive information on air travel and disability including topics such as:
- preparation for travel
- booking a flight
- medical considerations and requirements
- special travel requirements such as travelling with a service animal, oxygen tanks
- aircrafts with accessible toilets
- travelling with a carer
- what to do at the airport including how to check in mobility aids
- procedures on board
- emergency procedures.
Individual airline carriers can be contacted regarding capacity to accommodate passengers with varying disabilities, along with policies regarding the need for medical clearances for flying, mobility assistance and other special in flight or booking requirements.
Special restrictions apply to flying with an electric wheelchair and require the battery to be stored within the baggage compartment. Due to small aisles, use of personal wheelchairs on airplanes is not possible, requiring users to transfer to a specialised chair for transfer on and off an aircraft.
Due to occupational health and safety regulations, airline staff are unable to provide personal care assistance or administer medication on flights. If this type of assistance is required, a carer may be required.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
For people with a disability who are required to travel by air for work purposes, knowledge of air travel requirements to accommodate their disability, how to organise flights and availability of onboard assistance are essential to allow for independent travel.
Specific travel tips for people with a disability can be found at:
References:
CASA (no date specified), Safer air travel, Australian Government Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Canberra, viewed 8 December 2011, http://www.casa.gov.au/airsafe/disable/traveller.htm.
CASA (no date specified), Travel tips for the visually impaired, Australian Government Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Canberra, viewed 8 December 2011, http://www.casa.gov.au/airsafe/disable/vistips.htm.
CASA (no date specified), Travel tips for wheelchair users, Australian Government Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Canberra, viewed 8 December 2011, http://www.casa.gov.au/airsafe/disable/wheeltips.htm.
CASA (no date specified), Safer air travel: What travellers need and can expect, Australian Government Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Canberra, viewed 8 December 2011, http://www.casa.gov.au/airsafe/disable/traveller.htm.
Qantas (no date specified), Mobility Assistance—Qantas Charter for Customers with Specific Needs, Qantas Airways Limited, Sydney, viewed 8 December 2011, http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/beforeYouTravel/specialNeeds/mobilityAssistance.
If you cannot find the driver or transport service you need, please contact the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800.
Links to suppliers of other drivers and transport services
To locate a supplier of these products or solutions, select your nearest location using the drop down lists below or click on a supplier directly from the list below.
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