Travel Rights
Assisted Travel Essentials
Airport to Airplane
Items for organizing yourself for smooth and stress-free travel:
Keep all your passports in a travel wallet.
When you arrive at the airport, go straight to the assistance desk. They will ask if you have any luggage to check in, and if you have, they will take you to the check-in area and check in your luggage, so you have help in doing this, you don’t have to struggle on your own. If there are only two people traveling, and one is in a wheelchair, there are disabled signs outside the airport with a phone. You can ask for assistance as soon as you get dropped off at the airport. Just explain to them on the phone that you are traveling with someone who is disabled, so please could you have some help with luggage. Try to explain as clearly as possible where you are, and they will come out and help you. They can also provide a wheelchair if needed.
After your luggage is checked in, they will guide you through the assisted passport control. DO NOT put any sharp items in your carry-on bag, such as manicure sets, scissors, grooming kits, sewing kits, or corkscrews, as these will be confiscated. Remember to put any makeup and perfumes in an airport-approved clear bag, placing it at the top of your carry-on so it’s easy to find. Be aware that liquid items over 100 ml are not allowed through. Once through passport control, some staff may ask if you would like to shop at Duty Free, buy water, etc. If they don’t ask, you can request a stop for shopping or a snack. They usually oblige, depending on how busy they are. However, I have encountered staff saying “Sorry, no time,” which can be very frustrating.
You will then normally be taken to the gate, and another member of staff will take you to the plane, depending on the assistance you booked. Obviously, not all airports work the same when providing assistance, but this gives you a rough idea of what to expect. If it’s possible, try to use the toilet before you get onto the flight, as the washroom cubicles are very small, as you probably already know.
Listed below are some items that may make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable:
- A stuff-able neck pillow. These are a great idea as you can fill it with maybe a change of clothes, or maybe an incontinence pad, travel-size flushable wet wipes, or a disposable toothbrush. The above are just ideas, and it depends on each individual.
- Earplugs help prevent ear pain and regulate pressure.
- If travelling with young children, you could also bring an inflatable aero plane bed/seat extender.
- Inflatable footrest or
- A foot hammock.
- Aero plane seat organizer. You can use this to keep any personal items that you may need for the journey, keeping everything organized and to hand. You may want to put your bottled water in it, snacks, iPad, etc.
• There is another option for a neck pillow. It’s called the ultimate travel neck pillow that gives good body support, especially when you’re sitting in the middle seat. It stops the body from slouching left or right or in front. - You could try downloading some of your favorite films or programs to watch on the journey, or maybe books suited to Kindle.
Carry-On Bag Essentials
Always pack your medication in your carry-on bag and not in your checked luggage, just in case it gets misplaced. When going on holiday, it’s always a good idea to pack a few extra days of medication just in case of any delays. Keep them in their original packaging and keep the Prescription from the doctor. This makes it easier if customs stop you and ask what they are.
A phone bank and cables in case your phone runs out of battery.
And anything that you think you might need for the journey.
Embassies Worldwide
UK Accessible Travel Rules
In the UK, accessible travel rules are governed by the Equality Act 2010, requiring “reasonable adjustments” for disabled people across transport modes (trains, buses, taxis, air), with operators needing Accessible Travel Policies (ATPs) for rail, ensuring rights like assistance and information, though enforcement varies.
Key resources include Scope’s “Right to Ride,” GOV.UK guidance, and operator-specific plans for trains (like Passenger Assistance), while airlines follow EC regulations, preventing refusal on disability grounds unless safety is a genuine issue, with a focus on independent, inclusive travel.
Key Legislation and Rights
- Equality Act 2010: Makes it illegal to treat disabled people less favorably and requires service providers, including transport, to make “reasonable adjustments” for accessibility.
- Air Travel (EC 1107/2006): Airlines can’t refuse booking or carriage based on disability, only for safety reasons or physical impossibility, >GOV.UK.
Train Travel
- Accessible Travel Policies (ATPs): All train operators must have these, approved by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
- Passenger Assistance: A National Rail service for booking help at stations and on journeys, available via their website/app.
- Disabled Persons Railcard: Offers discounts on rail tickets.
Car, Bus, and Coach Travel
- Equality Act 2010: Covers taxis, buses, and coaches, requiring equal access.
Air Travel
- Right to Assistance: Passengers with reduced mobility have rights under EU Regulation 1107/2006.
- CAA Oversight: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) demands action plans from airports to improve assistance, as issues (long waits, poor handling) have been reported.
Miscellaneous Links
Resources and Guidance
- Scope’s “Right to Ride”: A one-stop guide detailing disabled people’s rights on public transport.
- GOV.UK Inclusive Mobility: Provides guidelines on physical space requirements for accessibility.
- Tourism for All/Access the Dales: Charities and platforms offering accessible holiday and local venue information.
Key Takeaway: While rules exist, challenges remain, so checking specific operator policies and using advocacy resources like Scope is crucial for smooth, inclusive travel.
EU Travel Laws for Disabled Travellers
If you have a disability or reduced mobility, you have the right to travel by air, train, bus, coach, or boat like anybody else. When you buy your ticket, the vendor must give you information about your journey in a format that is accessible to you, as well as information on the specific facilities available to you on board the aircraft, train, bus, coach or ship.
For all modes of transport, you have the right to free assistance at terminals and onboard vehicles. In case of air, bus, coach, and ship travel, you cannot be refused transport because of your disability or reduced mobility except for reasons justified on the grounds of safety (stipulated in national, international or EU law or the decision of the competent national authority) or because of the design of the vehicle or infrastructure. In case of rail transport, you cannot be refused transport because of your disability or reduced mobility unless this is necessary to comply with the non-discriminatory safety rules of the rail company or the station manager.
You Are Travelling by Plane
Assistance
When you travel by plane, you have the right to assistance, free of charge. This includes, among other types of support, the following assistance in airports before and after your flight, as well as during the flight:
- Assistance with your luggage.
- Getting on and off the plane.
- Free transport of your recognized assistance dog, medical equipment and pieces of mobility equipment.
In addition, if you travel accompanied by a person who provides assistance, the airline should, whenever possible, seat this person next to you on the plane.
To get the best assistance, contact the airline, ticket seller or tour operator at least 48 hours before your trip and explain what kinds of assistance you require and if you will be travelling accompanied. You should also inform them if you will be travelling with an assistance dog. They will also advise on your wheelchair or mobility device and, where applicable, their batteries.
If the airline, ticket seller or tour operator was not informed of the need for assistance at least 48 hours before your trip, they must at least make all reasonable efforts to assist you so you can travel as planned.
Airlines do not have to provide help with eating or taking medication during a flight. If you need this type of help, for example, during a long flight, you need to ask another person to accompany you to provide this type of assistance.
You can’t be denied boarding because of your disability or reduced mobility, unless:
- The aircraft or the aircraft door is physically too small.
- National, international, or EU safety regulations or the decision of the competent authorities responsible for aviation safety prevent the airline from transporting you.
Carriers can refuse to transport you for the reasons mentioned above. However, as an alternative and to allow you to travel, the carrier may require you to be accompanied by a person who can provide the assistance required by the applicable safety rules. In this case, the carrier does not have to transport this person free of charge.
Need More Help?
If you have problems getting assistance while travelling by plane, or if your mobility equipment is lost or destroyed, you should tell the airport authorities or the airline concerned. If you are not satisfied with their reply, you can contact the national enforcement body in the country where the incident happened.
EU Air Passenger Rights Apply:
- If your flight is within the EU and is operated either by an EU or a non-EU airline.
- If your flight arrives in the EU from outside the EU and is operated by an EU airline.
- If your flight departs from the EU to a non-EU country operated by an EU or a non-EU airline.
- If you have not already received benefits (compensation, re-routing, assistance from the airline) for flight-related problems for this journey under the relevant law of a non-EU country.
ETIAS
Check the country’s immigration policy.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be a new requirement for UK citizens travelling to most of Europe (Schengen area + Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania) for short stays (90 days), starting in late 2026; it’s a simple online security check, not a visa, costing about €7, linked to your passport, and is similar to the US ESTA, with no action needed from UK travelers right now, but you’ll apply online when it launches.
What It Is:
- A digital travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals.
- A security measure to improve border control for short trips (tourism, business, medical).
Who Needs It:
- UK citizens (and other non-EU/Schengen nationals) travelling to most EU countries and Schengen members (e.g., France, Spain, Italy, Greece, but not Ireland).
When It Starts:
- Scheduled for late 2026.
How It Works:
- Apply online via a simple form (like the UK’s own ETA or US ESTA).
- Pay a small fee (around €7).
- It’s linked to your passport and valid for up to three years or until your passport expires.
Key Takeaway for UK Citizens:
- You will need ETIAS for short trips to Europe starting late 2026, but you do not need to do anything yet.
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New 2026 Rules for Carry-On Luggage
For 2026, carry-on rules vary by airline, but budget carriers like Ryanair increased personal item size to 40x30x20cm (fitting under the seat), charging €70 for oversized bags, while Aer Lingus now includes a 10kg bag plus a 40x30x20cm personal item. US airports like Dublin are relaxing liquid/laptop rules with new scanners but always check your specific airline’s dimensions (often around 22x14x9 inches for standard carry-ons) and be aware of stricter enforcement for bulky items or wrapped gifts at security.
Key Changes and Rules for 2026
- Ryanair: Free small bag (40x30x20cm) under the seat; larger bags incur a €70 fee at the gate.
- Aer Lingus: Includes a 10kg bag plus a 40x30x20cm personal item; some may be asked to check the 10 kg bag.
- Liquids & Electronics: Next-gen scanners at some airports (like Dublin) allow up to 2 L liquids and no need to remove laptops, but rules vary by departure airport.
- TSA/Security: Expect stricter checks for wrapped gifts (pack flat/unwrapped) and bulky, structured personal items that might get flagged by new volume scanners.
Medication
Travelling with medication? The CDC page on traveling abroad with medicine explains that travelers should plan ahead by keeping medications in original containers, carrying prescriptions (including generic names), and ensuring they bring enough supply for the entire trip.
General Tips
- Check Your Airline: Rules differ significantly; always confirm with your specific carrier (e.g., Air Canada, American Airlines).
- Be Smart About Bags: Soft, unstructured bags that compress (totes, roll-top backpacks) are less likely to be flagged than bulky, rigid ones.
- Prepare for Security: Keep liquids in clear bags but avoid wrapping gifts for carry-on; wrap them at your destination instead.
The CAA
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is responsible for the regulation of aviation safety in the UK, determining policy for the use of airspace, the economic regulation of Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted airports, the licensing and financial fitness of airlines and the management of the ATOL financial protection scheme for holidaymakers.
The TSA
The TSA, or Transportation Security Administration, is a US federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for securing the nation’s transportation systems, primarily known for screening passengers and baggage at airports to prevent terrorism and ensure safe travel. Formed after the 9/11 attacks, it sets security policies, uses technology, and employs officers to check for prohibited items and identify potential threats across air, rail, and other transit modes, ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce.
Key Responsibilities:
- Airport Security: Screening all airline passengers and their belongings, removing dangerous items.
- Risk-Based Security: Employing layered security, including reviewing passenger data and using advanced screening technology like imaging scanners.
- Beyond Aviation: Securing other transportation systems like railways, highways, and pipelines, often through VIPR teams.
- International Cooperation: Working with other nations to keep flights to and from the US safe.
History:
- Created by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act in 2001.
- Became part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2003.
In short, the TSA is the federal body that makes sure you and your luggage are safe when flying and secures other critical transportation networks in the US.
Passenger Protection
Aviation Authorities in Europe (Similar to the CAA and TSA)
Many travellers are familiar with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the UK and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States.
But people often ask whether the European Union has similar organisations. The answer is yes — although responsibilities are shared between EU agencies and individual countries.
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the main aviation safety authority for the European Union.
It was established in 2002 and is headquartered in Cologne, Germany.
What EASA does
Sets aviation safety standards across the EU
EASA develops common aviation rules that apply to airlines, aircraft
manufacturers, airports, and pilots throughout Europe.
Certifies aircraft and aviation equipment
Aircraft types and aviation components must meet strict EASA safety
standards before they can operate in European airspace.
Monitors aviation safety performance
The agency gathers safety data and works with national aviation authorities to maintain high safety standards across Europe.
Coordinates aviation safety between EU countries
EASA works closely with national aviation authorities to ensure consistent safety regulations throughout the EU.
In simple terms, EASA performs a role similar to the CAA in the UK or the FAA in the United States, but on a European level.
Airport Security in Europe
Europe does not have a single security organisation exactly like the TSA.
Instead, airport security rules are set by the European Commission, and each EU country is responsible for enforcing those rules at its own airports.
For example:
- France – Directorate General for Civil Aviation
- Germany – Federal Aviation Office
- Spain – State Aviation Safety Agency
- Italy – Italian Civil Aviation Authority
This means that although security procedures are very similar across Europe, they are carried out by each country’s national authorities rather than a single EU-wide security agency.
Important EU Protection for Disabled Travellers
One of the most important pieces of legislation for disabled travellers in Europe is EC Regulation 1107/2006.
This regulation requires:
- Airports to provide free assistance to passengers with reduced mobility
- Airlines to allow mobility equipment such as wheelchairs to travel free of charge
- Airports to ensure disabled passengers can access services safely and with dignity
Your Rights as a Disabled Traveller
UK travel law, primarily the Equality Act 2010, protects disabled travellers by requiring transport providers (airlines, trains, buses, operators) to make reasonable adjustments and provide free special assistance, preventing discrimination and ensuring access, with specific rights for air travel (like mobility equipment carriage) and discounted rail fares via the Disabled Person’s Railcard.
Key Legal Protections and Responsibilities
- Equality Act 2010: Defines disability and makes it unlawful for service providers to treat disabled people less favorably; they must make reasonable adjustments (e.g., ramps, accessible information).
- Transport Providers’ Duties: Airlines, train companies, and bus/coach operators must not refuse service (unless for safety or impossibility) and must provide assistance, like help with check-in, baggage, and navigating terminals/vehicles.
Air Travel Rights
- Special Assistance: Free assistance at airports (check-in, security, boarding) and on aircraft is a legal right, requiring booking at least 48 hours ahead.
- Mobility Equipment: Airlines must carry up to two pieces of mobility equipment and medical equipment free of charge.
- Assistance Dogs: Allowed, with prior arrangement, and ground handling for them provided.
Rail Travel Rights
- Disabled Person’s Railcard: Offers 1/3 off adult rail fares within the UK for eligible individuals.
- Onboard Assistance: Trains should have wheelchair spaces; staff (Passenger Assist) help with boarding/disembarking, using ramps if needed.
Bus and Coach Travel
- Concessionary Passes: Disabled people may qualify for free bus passes in England, with specific usage times.
- Reasonable Adjustments: Providers must ensure access, even for those with hidden disabilities.
Before You Travel
- Research: Check destination accessibility and your provider’s specific policies.
- Book Ahead: Inform airlines and operators of your needs (usually 48 hours prior for air).
- Documentation: Carry any relevant medical info or documentation for your condition.
What to Do If There's a Problem
- Complain Directly: Report issues to the transport company first.
- Escalate: If unresolved, complain to the relevant ombudsman (e.g., Rail Ombudsman) or regulator (like the Civil Aviation Authority for air travel).
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The Montreal Convention (Air Travel Rights Explained)
The Montreal Convention is an international treaty that protects airline passengers when something goes wrong on international flights.
It was agreed in 1999 and is officially called: International Civil Aviation Organization Montreal Convention 1999
It applies to most countries worldwide — including the UK, EU, USA, Canada and many more.
What Does It Cover?
Lost, Delayed or Damaged Luggage
- If your checked baggage is:
- Lost
- Delayed
- Damaged
You can claim compensation from the airline.
Maximum compensation: Around 1,288 SDRs (Special Drawing Rights)
That’s roughly £1,300–£1,500 depending on exchange rates.
Important:
- You must report damage immediately at the airport.
- Written claim usually within 7 days (damage).
- 21 days for delayed luggage.
Flight Delays
If you suffer financial loss due to a delay (hotel, meals, missed connections), you may claim back “proven damages”.
Maximum compensation: Around 5,346 SDRs (approx. £5,000+).
This is different from EU261 compensation — this covers actual losses, not automatic payouts.
Injury or Death
If a passenger is injured or dies due to an airline accident, the airline is strictly liable up to a set amount, and potentially more if negligence is proven.
Mobility Equipment
Wheelchairs and mobility aids are protected under the Montreal Convention.
If damaged or lost:
- Airlines must compensate
- You may be entitled to the full replacement value, especially for mobility equipment (separate protections may apply depending on country).
This is huge for accessible travellers — and something many people don’t realise.
When Does It Apply?
It applies when:
- You are flying between two different countries that are signatories
OR - You are flying domestically but as part of an international ticket.
It does NOT replace:
- EU261 (UK/EU flight delay compensation)
- US DOT disability protections
It works alongside them.
Why This Is Important for Accessible Travelling
- Many disabled travellers don’t know they can claim full wheelchair value.
- It builds trust if you explain the difference between Montreal Convention vs EU261.
NOTE: Whilst we endeavour to provide up to date information, it is best to check with a governing body
Know Your Rights as a Disabled Traveller (UK, Europe & USA)
Why This Matters
Travelling as a disabled person should be safe, accessible, and reliable.
However, many travellers experience issues such as:
- Accessible rooms not being available on arrival
- Inaccurate accessibility information
- Lack of support in emergencies
Understanding your rights is one of the most important steps in protecting yourself when you travel.
🇺🇸 United States – Your Rights (ADA)
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act:
✔ Hotels must provide accessible rooms
✔ Accessible rooms must be held and guaranteed once booked
✔ They cannot be given to another guest
✔ Accessibility information must be accurate
👉 This is one of the strongest systems globally when it comes to booking protections.
🔗 Official guidance:
https://www.ada.gov/resources/lodging-guide/
🔗 Reservation rules explained:
https://adata.org/factsheet/accessible-lodging
🇪🇺 Europe – Your Rights
Across Europe, accessibility is supported by frameworks such as:
- European Accessibility Act
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
✔ Equal access to services is required
✔ Barriers must be reduced
✔ Accessibility standards should be implemented
👉 Like the UK, enforcement can vary between countries and may not always guarantee booking accuracy.
⚠️ The Reality Travellers Face
Despite these laws, many disabled travellers still experience:
❌ Accessible rooms not being available on arrival
❌ Incorrect or misleading accessibility descriptions
❌ Safety concerns, especially in emergencies
❌ Lack of staff training
👉 This shows a gap between law and real-world experience
💡 What You Can Do
If something goes wrong:
✔ Document everything (photos, emails, booking confirmation)
✔ Escalate to hotel management immediately
✔ Submit a formal complaint
✔ Report inaccurate listings
✔ Share your experience to help others
💙 Our Mission
At AccessibleTravelling.com, we are working to:
- Raise awareness of real accessibility issues
- Share accurate, reliable information
- Support disabled travellers worldwide
- Push for better standards and accountability
👉 Accessibility is not a luxury. It is essential.