Campaign against airline gathers pace

The Disability Rights Commission is appealing for people who
have been charged for using a wheelchair by airline company
Ryanair, to contact them.

The disability watchdog, which has so far been contacted by 30
disabled people who have been forced to pay the charge, is
considering a class action against the company and the British
Airports Authority.

The move follows the case of a man with cerebral palsy and
arthritis who was charged £18 each way to use a wheelchair
when he travelled with Ryanair.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act a disabled person cannot
receive “less favourable” treatment than a non-disabled
person, which includes having to pay an additional charge for a
service.

DRC chairperson Bert Massie said: “It’s outrageous
that Ryanair are forcing disabled people to pay for something so
vital. Disabled people shouldn’t have to pay more than anyone
else for the right to travel.”