Why Accessible Air Travel is Essential for Muscular Dystrophy Families
An increasing number of complaints about air travel
In 2015, reports from the Department of Transportation listed complaints about the 36 U.S. carriers and 140 foreign carriers. The total number of complaints was up from about 26,000 in 2014 to over 30,000 in 2015, and the number is increasing.
Most of the respondents were not aware they could file a complaint against an airline for non-compliance in dealing with the disabled, and fewer than 20% believed a filed complaint would do any good. One specific complaint listed over and over in the DOT reports stated that almost half of the airlines had failures to aid those who must use a wheelchair.
Due to MDA’s efforts, there is a positive side to this report. Many airlines have web-pages providing guidance and support to travelers with disabilities. However, on the downside, only half of those with disabilities who have traveled visited an airline’s website for information on traveling.
