Mobility aid for EU travelers

As of July 26, 2008, under guidelines set by the European Union’s Equality & Human Rights Commission, or EHRC (in England, phone 0845 604 6610, www.equalityhumanrights.com), mobility-impaired or otherwise disabled passengers who are citizens of EU countries and travel by air to, from or within the EU have greater rights to access and assistance.

If they request assistance, either directly or through tour operators or travel agents, then airports and airlines must accommodate their needs, from arrival at the airport through check-in, getting on and off the plane and leaving the airport.

The physical impairment extends to any EU citizen who has difficulty moving around, whether due to disability, age, a broken leg, etc. The ruling can affect 15 million people, or one in five Europeans.