accessibility.com.au - Travelling Beyond The Front Gate By Matt Laffan

Travelling with Qantas

Qantas have come a long way in recent times with the way in which they deal with people who have disabilities. One of the most difficult aspects to travel for people with mobility disabilities is the transfer from one's wheelchair into the aircraft. This can cause discomfort and embarrassment for the traveler and the staff. So Qantas have set about delivering new standards to deal with those of us who have special needs.

The Qantas system now allows you to take your chair to the gate so that you don't have to transfer into the Qantas chair to get on board until a short time before departure.

There are a few things we travelers can do to make things easier for ourselves as well. We should know as much about our wheelchair as we can (weight, height, length) so when we speak with the people responsible for booking our flight we can be sure that our needs will be met. Some wheelchairs, for example, cannot fit onto certain aircraft so it is essential that we are forewarned so we can make your plans carefully.

Qantas has a certain procedure now that is followed strictly.

In accordance with manufacturer recommendations and to reduce any risk of damage to wheelchairs all electric wheelchairs, including power assist wheelchairs, must travel in the upright position (folded or unfolded) in the free wheel mode of the aircraft. To facilitate this requirement, size restrictions (set out in the table below) apply to the acceptance of wheelchairs on some narrow-bodied aircraft.

All manual wheelchairs must fit within the size restrictions in the unfolded, folded or upright position. If the wheelchair fits within the size restrictions but not in the upright position, the wheelchair can only be carried if it weighs less than 32 kilograms and the manufacturer has confirmed that the wheelchair can be stored and transported on its side. Otherwise, the wheelchair must fit within the size restrictions in the upright position to be carried.

If your wheelchair does not fit within these allowable dimensions (after being collapsed or disassembled), where possible, the Qantas Telephone Sales Consultants will offer you an alternate flight that is operated by a larger, wide-bodied aircraft such as a Boeing 767, Boeing 747 or Airbus 330.

Of course these restrictions are tough on us however until the technology is available we a stuck with this fact. What is important is that all airlines quickly learn that the disability market is one that should not be ignored and all aircraft should be made so as to accommodate our needs.

Qantas have various links on their website essential for those of us who have a disability to make our bookings easier and to ensure that our needs are met. So be sure you avail yourself of them before making your booking.

Mobility Assistance

Mobility Aids and Wheelchairs - Making a Booking

Passenger Assistance Brochure

Customer Checklist for people travelling with mobility aids

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