Understanding the Rights of Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) Travelling by Air

Air Travel Made Accessible: A Guide to PRM Rights and Airport Responsibilities

Travelling by air can be a seamless experience for most, but for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM), it often comes with unique challenges. Laws and regulations in the European Union, like Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006, aim to safeguard the rights of disabled individuals and PRMs, ensuring they receive the assistance they need for a smooth travel experience. For airport managers and service providers, it's important to understand the responsibilities of airports and the rights afforded to passengers in these circumstances.

What is Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006?

Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 establishes a framework that guarantees the rights of disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility when travelling by air. Its primary aim is to:

• Protect PRMs against discrimination.
• Ensure they receive necessary assistance at airports and on flights.

Whether departing, transiting, or arriving in UK / EU Member State airports or flying from a non-EU airport to a UK / EU Member State on a UK / EU carrier, PRMs are entitled to protection and support as outlined in this directive.

Key Rights of PRM Travellers

The regulation highlights several fundamental rights for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Here's what Passengers with Reduced Mobility can expect during their air travel experience:

1. Prevention of Discrimination

PRMs cannot be refused reservation or boarding on flights departing or arriving at EU airports solely based on their disability or reduced mobility, provided they have a valid ticket and reservation.  This ensures they have equal access to air travel opportunities.

1. Access to Assistance

Airports must provide designated points where PRMs can inform the staff about their arrival and request assistance. These areas, located both inside and outside terminal buildings, must be clearly signed and provide basic, accessible information about the airport.

1. Special Conditions for Safety

While PRMs cannot be refused service on discriminatory grounds, exceptions are allowed for safety reasons under specific circumstances, such as:

• Meeting safety requirements outlined by international, EU, or national laws.
• Limitations due to the physical dimensions of the aircraft or its doors.

If boarding is refused due to these reasons, airlines are required to propose reasonable alternatives or offer options such as re-routing or reimbursement, provided safety conditions are met.

1. Transparent Communication

If Passengers with Reduced Mobility face restrictions or are denied service, airlines, agents, or tour operators must immediately inform them of the reasons. Upon request, a written explanation must be provided within five working days.

1. Advanced Notifications

Passengers are encouraged to provide at least 48 hours notice if they require special assistance.  This enables airlines and airports to coordinate and ensure the required assistance is available throughout the passenger's travel experience.

1. Safe Handling of Mobility Equipment

Airlines are mandated to prioritise the safe transportation of mobility equipment, ensuring it is handled carefully during boarding, transit, and arrival.

The Role of Airport Management

The managing body of an airport is ultimately responsible for providing assistance to disabled passengers and travellers with reduced mobility. This assistance is provided without any additional charges. Such services ensure that all passengers have equal access to air travel.

How Is Assistance Delivered?

Airports have two options for delivering assistance:

1. Direct Provision: The airport managing body can handle the assistance themselves.
2. Third-Party Contracts: Alternatively, they can contract one or more external parties to provide the necessary support.  This is done in collaboration with airport users, such as airlines, and must comply with established quality standards. If a request for third-party assistance is denied, the managing body must provide written justification.

Funding and Transparency

To fund the provision of assistance, airports may impose a specific charge on airport users, including airlines. This charge must meet the following criteria:

• Be reasonable, cost-related, and transparent.

• Be determined in cooperation with airport users.
• Be shared proportionately among users based on passenger numbers.

Additionally, airports are required to maintain separate accounts for their assistance-related activities and must provide an audited annual breakdown of charges and expenses.  This ensures transparency and accountability to both airport users and enforcement bodies.

Types of Assistance Provided

The assistance offered to disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility covers every stage of their journey through the airport and onto the aircraft.  This includes:

• Communicating arrival at the airport and requesting assistance at designated points.
• Moving from designated points to check-in counters.
• Assistance with check-in, baggage registration, and security procedures.
• Boarding assistance, including lifts, wheelchairs, or other necessary support.
• Help with seating arrangements, baggage retrieval, and disembarkation.
• Support with connecting flights and transit navigation.
• Access to toilet facilities upon request.

In addition to these, accompanying persons are also allowed to assist the passenger if requested. Airports are expected to handle mobility equipment, such as electric wheelchairs, with care and provide temporary replacements if items are lost or damaged. Assistance dogs are also accommodated when needed, and all flight-related information must be provided in accessible formats.

Accessibility in Air Travel

Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 serves as a comprehensive and crucial tool in fostering accessible air travel for passengers with reduced mobility.  By highlighting their rights to non-discrimination and assistance, this directive ensures that PRMs can travel confidently and securely across UK and EU airports.

Travelers with reduced mobility are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their rights to ensure fair treatment and an inclusive travel experience. Airports must remain committed to meeting these responsibilities, ensuring that the skies are accessible to everyone. Whether you're embarking on a long-awaited vacation or a business trip, this framework helps ensure that your journey begins and ends on the right note.

Bradshaw AV6 PRM Vehicle: Enhancing Airport Accessibility

To help airports follow Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 and assist with the movement of Passengers with Reduced Mobility, the AV6 aids airport operators with passenger transportation.

Designed as a dedicated PRM vehicle, the AV6 takes into consideration the airport's unique environment and the requirements of individuals with reduced mobility, offering a safe and comfortable travel experience.

For more information about the AV6, contact us to learn how Bradshaw's PRM vehicles can enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of your airport.