Virgin Blue changes disabled passenger criteria

[aqaforum]

Virgin Blue changes disabled passenger criteria

The Age News Paper, September 11, 2009


Disabled passengers will be able to fly without a carer on Virgin Blue Airlines after the carrier announced major changes to its travel criteria.
The changes, to come into force on Thursday night, mean some passengers with special needs will have the choice of travelling independently.
Equality campaigners have welcomed the move, with Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes congratulating the airline for introducing a "less-restrictive policy".
"Travel is something that we are all doing more and more of, and it is important that people with disability can participate equally in this activity," he said.
"Australians with disability make up 20 percent of the population, so I am pleased that this significant segment of the travelling market will now be able to share in use of Virgin's facilities more equitably."
Public Interest Advocacy Centre CEO Robin Banks said it was a major win for disabled people, who would no longer need to buy two tickets.
"The changes promote equitable travel and are a positive example to all airlines," she said.
The changes come after advice from peak disability and advocacy groups to improve access.
It also follows a discrimination claim against Virgin Blue, in which a passenger challenged the airline's independent travel criteria.
Previously, anyone who did not meet the criteria were not allowed to travel alone.
Now, any passenger who is able to understand and respond to briefings about emergency procedures and does not require personal assistance during a flight, may travel unaccompanied.
Virgin Blue said its policy was reworked after feedback the airline had been too prescriptive when deciding whether disabled passengers needed a carer on flights.
"We are now giving some of our guests the freedom to choose to travel independently," Virgin Blue's Chief Operating Officer Andrew David said.
"(The new criteria) is more attractive to our guests with special needs, while at the same time not compromising our commitment to ensuring the safety of all of our guests and crew," he said.

[lyn]

HIP HIP HOORAY , FINALLY THE CHANGES WE ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR, THIS SURE WILL MEAN SO MUCH TO ALOT OF US WHO ENJOYTRAVELLING INDEPENDANTLY, SURE WILL SAVE SOME $$$$$ ALSO ANOTHER GREAT ACHIEVEMENT FOR US ALL , I SURE WILL BE TRAVELLING ALOT MORE OFTEN , AND HAVE THE EXTRA SPENDING MONEY FOR TOURS YIPEE LYN

[lyn]

HI EVERYONE, XMAS IS FAST APROACHING & I GUESS WE ARE ALL BOOKING OUR HOLIDAYS, I REALLY WANT TO HOLIDAY IN QLD AGAIN , BUT FIND IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT WITH ACCESSIBLE ACCOMODATION,WITH PREVIOUS SITUATIONS WITH RENTING HOLIDAY APARTMENTS ON THE GOLD COAST ,THEY ALL HAVE BEEN A TOTAL DISAPPOINTMENT & COSTLY HOLIDAY, DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY IDEAS OUT THERE??? MAYBE SOMEONE WOULD LIKE TO SWAP HOMES ,AS MY HOME IS ALL WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE,& DISABILITY FACILITIES(NO STEPS OR STAIRS)COMFORTABLE SAFE&SECURE AREA & COMMUNITY,CLOSE TO COASTAL SURF BEACHES & DISABILITY ACCESSIBLE SWIMMING POOL, OR IF ANYONE WANTS TO SHARE THEIR HOME ,THAT IS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE,& HAS FACILITIES FOR A PARAPLEGIC OVER THE HOLIDAYS OR ANYTIME OF THE YEAR IN QLD, I SURE WOULD BE HAPPY FOR SUITABLE ACCOMODATION, LEAVE A MESSAGE IF YOU WANT FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MY HOME & ARRANGEMENTS HAPPY HOLIDAYS THANKS LYN

[aqaforum]

Hi Lyn,

I just returned from a QLD holiday on the Gold Coast on 4th October 2009.

I stayed in a place for 2 weeks called "Mermaid Park" www.mermaidpark.com.au

I'm a high Quad C4/5. I tend to need a bit more space to move because I use a large electric wheelchair, I found this place very good.

One hall way was a bit tight but you being in a manaul wheelchair I think it will be eazy for you.

Please call me at AQA if you would like to chat further.

Regards
Peter Van Benthem
9489 0777