Flying into Uncertainty: Part 2 - Flying with Non-Mobility Disabilities

Abstract

While much of the academic literature on the air travel experience has focussed on mobility disability, and the required service delivery associated with this group, a growing number of researchers are examining the experiences of passengers with non-mobility disabilities, many of which are considered ‘hidden’ disabilities. However, much of what has been written in Chapter 5, about mobility, mobility disability and the air travel experience, is relevant to those with other types of impairment. Non- mobility disabilities considered in this chapter include vision and hearing impairments, cognitive impairments such as dementia, autism and epilepsy, and mental health conditions. It must also be remembered that some passengers with non–mobility impairment may have additional non–mobility and/or mobility impairments. As in Chapter 5, a discussion of the passenger experiences of air travel by people with impairments other than mobility is based on the premise that they have the same rights to citizenship as non-disabled passengers. This includes the right to safe and comfortable travel and the feeling of inclusion as a flying passenger, from first booking a flight to the airport and onboard experience. Nevertheless, commissioned research by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority suggests that ‘7 per cent of UK citizens avoid travelling by air because of a hidden disability – such as dementia, autism or because they use a colostomy bag’ (Berry, 2018). Indeed, those people with non-mobility impairments are among the least likely to travel by air. Despite having the same rights to travel, it is clear that the passenger’s travel experience will vary according to their type and degree of impairment. As highlighted in Chapter 5, there are multiple forms of difference. The study of those with physical impairments highlights the multi-sensory nature of travel. For air passengers with sensory and cognitive impairments, other senses come to the fore, such as the importance of touch for the deafblind. As many of the non-mobility disabilities are called ‘hidden disabilities’, air passengers with these disabilities may face increased stress during flying. One of the important dilemmas faced by air passengers with hidden disabilities is the question of whether to disclose or conceal their disability, and whether that will mean inclusion or exclusion.