Easyjet criticised over wheelchair policy

Budget airline Easyjet has said that health and safety rules on weight restrictions prevent it from allowing most powered wheelchairs onboard.

The airline has come under criticism over its policy recently from disability charities and campaign groups.

An Easyjet spokesperson said: “EasyJet welcomes more than a quarter of a million passengers with reduced mobility every year and we regularly carry powered wheelchairs, provided they can be collapsed into separate parts weighing less than 60kg each. This is a necessity to protect the health and safety of the baggage handlers who have to lift the wheelchair into the aircraft.

"The Civil Aviation Authority recognises that the carriage of such wheelchairs is difficult for airlines since they have to meet health and safety requirements, and considers that their carriage requires co-operation between passengers and the airline as to what is practicable.

"EasyJet follows this advice and therefore asks passengers with heavy wheelchairs to inform us at least two days in advance via our contact centre, of the total weight of their mobility aid and also bring the operating instructions with them to the airport."

The information that collapsible wheelchairs are allowed has since been updated on Easyjet’s website. However, many have still argued this is impractical and stressful for many disabled travellers.

Other airlines such as BA allow passengers to take wheelchairs on board. BA says it uses extra staff to lift wheelchairs into the hold when necessary.

Neal Stone, British Safety Council head of policy and public affairs, said the guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive in support of the Manual Handling (Operations) Regulations 1992 identifies practical and safe alternatives to manual handling that would benefit disabled travellers and the business equally and comply with legal requirements,

He commented: “It’s not beyond the wit of any airline to follow the lead of most carriers and come up with arrangements for transporting electric wheelchairs, including the use of additional mechanical assistance, that prevent injury to their baggage handlers and enables disabled passengers to use air travel facilities enjoyed by the rest of us.

“The British Safety Council urges all organisations to ensure they have the expertise and competence necessary in order that their working arrangements are safe and fully comply with health and safety law. Health and safety must continue to be a force for good rather than an excuse for stopping a whole range of reasonable activities.”