Disabled passengers fume over airlines ‘double charging’ despite subsidised cost

Passengers have been angered over airlines charging them double Disabled airline passengers are fuming over airlines reportedly double charging them despite the existence of a law which should subsidise the cost of tickets. Some airlines are allegedly charging disabled passengers twice what they would charge an able-bodied person for the same journey. The ‘double charging’ has caused a wave of outrage from disabled flyers who have been left unable to see their families because of the charges. The scandal comes despite a Civil Aviation Authority guidance which urges airlines to subsidise the cost of flying for disabled passengers. Around 30 airlines told the BBC that disabled passengers with mobility problems must pay for a full-price ticket for their personal care assistant (PA). READ MORE Flights sent to rescue Brits stranded by Rhodes fires [LATEST] Some disabled passengers face prohibitive costs to travel Speaking to the BBC, one passenger said the costs of flying are extremely prohibitive. Melody Powell, 25, wanted to visit friends in New York who kept her company online while she isolated during the pandemic. Ms Powell said that while she has the necessary £600 to pay for her own ticket, she can’t afford a second ticket for her PA. She said: “Seeing how much it will cost me to fly because I’m disabled is quite scary.” The costs mean disabled passengers are unable to see friends and family For some passengers, the situation is even worse and the personal costs even higher. Richard Amm, 40, said he was unable to visit his injured 77-year-old mother in South Africa because the cost of a PA ticket, £1,500, was too high. Mr Amm, who has trouble lifting his arms and uses a wheelchair, said: “I would love to visit my mum. But facing double the cost, it just isn’t really feasible for me to go.” Mr Amm said the situation was “totally discriminatory” and that most disabled people were “too poor to even afford a ticket for ourselves”. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info The cost of living crisis has made flying abroad even harder for many Despite the significant financial barriers to flying abroad for disabled passengers, some people are trying to make a difference. Entrepreneur and wheelchair user Josh Wintersgill said he was trying to improve aviation accessibility for disabled flyers. He said: “With many not requiring companions, being forced to travel with someone feels very undermining and incurs additional costs. This is significantly unfair and borderline discriminatory.” Mr Wintersgill added that “drastic international collaboration” was needed to update the “outdated” guidelines. Trending