easyJet : A charter for passengers with disabilities

The British low-cost airline announced that a European charter had been created in order to ensure that the needs of passengers with disabilities will be better accommodated inside European airports. The airline has been facing trials over the past few years, being accused of discrimination towards passengers with disabilities.

An independent authority

These multiple trials led easyJet to set up an independent advisory group back in 2012: ESAAG. The group’s purpose is to audit the airline’s procedures and then disclose recommendations for improvement. This independent group released a charter at the European parliament earlier this week. This charter contains information to enforce the rights of passengers with disabilities.

David Blunkett, chairman of the ESAAG pointed out the fact that, unfortunately, neither airports nor airlines were enforcing regulations weren’t being enforced enough. This charter, likely to be seen as a guideline, aims at a better communication between airports and airlines, especially concerning the different travel steps as well as assisting of passengers with disabilities.

Some legal issues in the past

In the past passengers with disabilities were denied boarding out of “security concerns” according to the airline. This was due to the fact that they were flying solo. The airline argued that its decisions were “in accordance with the European law” at that time.

Awareness

It seems that easyJet has learned from its mistakes. Investments have been made in order to offer better service but also to strengthen training & awareness of its staff, in the air as well as on the ground.