I believe I can fly !

We, the people of India...

On Accessible Air Travel...

On Nightmare Trips...

In 2006, while traveling from Chennai to Kolkotta by Air Deccan (now Kingfisher Red), myself and my colleague were forced to sign an indemnity bond stating that Air Deccan is not responsible for any mishap to the person or belongings during air travel. On our return from Kolkotta, both of us wanted to sit together - this which was refused by the pilot who insulted me in front of other passengers and said that he would offboard me from plane.! In August 2011, while traveling back from Delhi to Chennai by Air India, myself and my colleague were refused ambu-lift service at Chennai airport and after an hour's argument, the service were provided to us.

It was my first air travel experience. I was accompanied with my husband and son. We needed to board the Air India Express flight from Mumbai to Kochi. The airport attendant was taking me through the terminal to the air craft. He said no need to go by lift and we can use escalator. I was apprehensive and told him wheelchairs cannot be taken on a escalator but he insisted telling he has taken it many a times and no need to worry. The moment we stepped on the escalator we had a disastrous fall and I rolled down all the way from it !To my luck I had a miraculous escape else the intensity of the fall was enough fatal. The assistant pleaded not to complain and we didn't. But ignorance prevails in airports and life of wheelchair users is in the hands of completely untrained personnel. Every time I board a plane I am lifted and the aisle chair tilts & shake to a dangerous extend where only your fortune can spare you a fall ...

My sister ( a person with Autism) has a very visible tremor as a result of her anti-epilepsy medication. The person handing out boarding passes took ours back and refused to give them back till her boss gave permission to okay my sister's boarding the flight. We were stared at, checked out by about 4 Spicejet people till someone came and said it was okay for her to board.

I was told by Indigo Airlines that because I was blind, I would not be permitted to travel alone without a guide dog or an escort. This happened at the booking process step itself!

I was operated on my spine for gross scoliosis and use calipers. But standing and walking short distances are also highly difficult for me. At the security point, I am first checked they make me stand, and then my travel wheelchair is taken to different area to get it security checked. This process takes from 20-45 minutes at a stretch. So I always have difficulty in standing and I can't sit and transfer from and to the airport wheelchairs, that aren't in good condition. Every time I have to argue and convince authorities to have my wheelchair as cabin luggage. Rarely my request was obliged - Mostly it is denied. While, lifting off/on manually to the aircraft steps, the assisting team members almost dropped me two times!

At which stage were there issues ?

What were the issues faced?

Some zero-cost unmet requirements ...

I use calipers AND carry crutches so prefer to use on-board wheel chair. Sometimes the problem is when you arrive early and the airport escort takes you to waiting room and vanishes. If you are travelling alone and you hear announcement of change in gate no you become anxious, wondering when the escort will come.

Help carrying luggage Accommodate to use accessible toilets once every hour within the air port and air craft.. Provide adjustable arm rests at seats Allocate seat with ample leg space Allow customized wheelchair check-in as Cabin Luggage Provide Aisle Chairs in working condition!

Customer Feedback Listen Up!

BOOKING : Airlines should make it clear what is included in their airline policy. Provision on booking form to indicate person with disability's specific requirements - eg Wheelchair check box is needed AIRPORT ARRIVAL : Auto Rickshaws shall be allowed till the departure terminal inside all airports, as all disabled people or people with reduced mobility or people carrying heavy luggage may not be able to hire or use a cab. Priority alighting point provided near entry gate Appropriate screening equipment adjacent to the security check to be provided CHECK-IN : WHEEL CHAIR to BE TAKEN AS CABIN BAGGAGE. While check in, disabled people shall be treated with dignity and shall not be asked to sign any indemnity bond. SECURITY : PERSON WITH DISABILITY BE FRISKED WHILE SITTING ON THE WHEEL CHAIR. DO NOT ASK TO REMAIN STANDING. Toilet - Provide more toilets at short distances inside the airport. Disabled people shall be allowed to access the toilet at the shortest distance irrespective of the Class (business/economy).

Departure Area: From the entrance of departure terminal to the check in counter, wheel chairs shall be provided at the entrance as disabled people would need them from the point when and where they are dropped outside the terminal. Counter: Priority Boarding Boarding Transit: Trained ground staff and right use of available infrastructure facilities (for ex. use of foldable ramp fixed to the bus) Seating: Disabled People shall be provided a comfortable and accessible seating according to their choice. Lifting & transferring to the seat- Female guests to be helped by female attendants. Allocation of seat with ample leg space Cabin Baggage- Proper assistance INFORMATION/SAFETY COMMUNICATION: prominently displayed and effectively communicated as per type of disability Disembarking: Ambu-lift services shall be provided in all airlines for diembarking passengers with reduced mobility. Baggage Carousel: Assistive devices should not be put on carousel

"Rosa Parks sat in 1955. Martin Luther King walked in 1963. Barack Obama ran in 2008. That our children might fly !"