The Hidden Cost of Flying: Are Airlines Unfairly Charging Disabled Travellers for Their Legal Rights?
As a specialist UK travel organisation dedicated to accessible holidays, we’re deeply concerned about a growing trend in the aviation industry that’s creating unnecessary barriers for disabled travellers. Recent developments have highlighted a troubling practice where airlines are requiring paid medical documentation for basic accessibility needs – a requirement that may conflict with the Equality Act 2010.
The Current Situation
We’re witnessing an increasing number of cases where special assistance teams are requesting GP letters for fundamental accessibility requirements, including:
- Carrying essential care items in additional hand luggage
- Bringing vital medical equipment like CPAP or NIV machines in the cabin when they aren’t being used inflight, they are being taken on board so they aren’t lost or broken
- Requesting necessary seating accommodations for mobility limitations
- Accessing adapted transfers for non-ambulant passengers
The Financial Burden
These requirements come with a significant cost:
- GP letters typically cost £20-£40
- Waiting times can extend up to 28 days
- New “solutions” like Jet2’s partnership with ZoomDoc charge £49 for same-day letters
The Legal Perspective
Under the Equality Act 2010, airlines are legally obligated to make reasonable adjustments for disabled travellers. Requiring passengers to pay for medical confirmation of evident disabilities isn’t just an additional burden – it may well be unlawful. What’s particularly concerning is that these requests don’t involve any clinical decision-making. They’re simply asking for proof of disability from passengers who are already travelling with expensive wheelchairs and mobility aids, and who have full assistance booked.
The Irony
Perhaps most concerning is the timing of Jet2’s recent announcement of their ZoomDoc partnership on Global Accessibility Awareness Day. While presented as a solution, this partnership essentially commercialises accessibility needs, turning a legal right into a paid service. A paid workaround isn’t progress – it’s a barrier, dressed as a benefit.
Take a look at Jet2’s latest assistance information here:Â https://www.jet2.com/en/assisted-travel
Moving Forward
What we need to see is:
1. Airlines consulting directly with disabled travellers about their needs
2. Recognition of visible disabilities without requiring additional documentation
3. Implementation of support systems that comply with equality legislation
4. Focus on removing barriers rather than creating commercial opportunities
Our Call to Action
As an industry, we must challenge these practices and advocate for truly accessible travel. Airlines should focus on understanding and implementing the support they’re legally obligated to provide, rather than creating additional financial barriers for disabled travellers. At World Accessible Holidays, we believe in making travel accessible for everyone without unnecessary costs or complications. If you’ve experienced similar requirements when booking accessible travel, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
For more information about accessible travel options or to discuss your holiday needs, contact us on 02921 283143. All our flight-inclusive packages are ATOL Protected.
