“CASES OF DISCRIMINATION”
“Once you’re off, you get taken down to the baggage area in the case of somebody with a power chair and wait for your chair to come out. You get back in the chair and hope everything is working and if it is not working, then you’ve got to make an insurance claim and you work out how you can get about for the next few days. It is quite a traumatic experience for many people “ -Anonymous
Unfortunately, Australians with disabilities have been subjected to humiliating and dehumanising treatment by airlines and at some of our airports. These cases include:
Airports can be triggering places for many people with different types of disabilities given the challenges some face checking in, going through security and getting on or off a plane.
Qantas and Jetstar are currently facing a disability crisis that is taking a serious toll on many individuals and families in Australia.?Indeed, one of the main concerns of those with disabilities travelling via Qantas or Jetstar is that the airlines are not always well-equipped to deal with those with specific needs, such as those who require assistance using a wheelchair.
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Many disabled passengers are left stranded and without any relief in sight, as the airlines continually refuse to provide accessible air travel. Wheelchair passengers are especially at risk, as these airlines do not provide assistance when boarding or disembarking aircraft.
In a shocking statement, Jetstar said that their "operational requirements as a low fares airline, together with safety and other obligations, mean that Jetstar is only able to provide limited specific assistance to passengers, including to passengers requiring wheelchair assistance."
Jetstar has been widely criticised for its discriminatory business practices. Despite this awareness, Australian authorities have been reluctant to take a stand and force the company to become more inclusive. This hesitance is concerning, as it suggests that Jetstar is able to continue operating in a way that discriminates against disabled people.
There needs to be much more stricter and clearer regulations around what Australian airlines need to do for people with disability. Just like any other mode of transport, airlines should be made to abide by Public Transport Regulations and be prepared to face the consequences, if they are found to be in breach of any such Regulations.
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