Airlines unfair to disabled, CTA tribunal told

[Blastor]

Airlines unfair to disabled, CTA tribunal told
Free extra seats would require fare hikes, carriers say

Chris Sorensen ,Financial Post


Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Canadian air carriers, struggling to maintain profitability amid high fuel prices, say they could be forced to raise fares if a federal tribunal requires them to provide extra seats to disabled passengers free of charge.

The longstanding issue is being examined by the Canadian Transportation Agency, which yesterday began the first phase of a four-week long tribunal to investigate pricing complaints lodged by disabled passengers against Air Canada, its regional subsidiary Jazz and WestJet Airlines Ltd. The Gander International Airport Authority is also the subject of complaints relating to the charging of airport improvement fees.

Joined by the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD), three disabled passengers are arguing the airlines' current practice of making disabled passengers pay for extra seats -- needed to accommodate care-givers or medical equipment such as respirators or stretchers -- is inherently unfair and constitutes a barrier to travel.

"Airlines are not eager to accommodate people with disabilities," said David Baker, a lawyer representing disabled passengers in the hearing. "We will be seeking a systemic remedy."

Mr. Baker said an appropriate solution would be a "one person, one fare" model, which would allow disabled passengers to pay the same price as regular passengers even if they require multiple seats. Such a model has already been adopted by the rail and bus industries, he said.

But Isabelle Arthur, an Air Canada spokeswoman, said the country's largest airline opposes the proposed "one person, one fare" model because it threatens to place an additional financial burden on the airline, which has yet to post a profitable quarter since exiting from bankruptcy protection last year.

"That would, in turn, put pressure on us to increase air fares," Ms. Arthur said. She added the airline voluntarily offers a 50% discount on extra seats purchased by disabled travellers, providing the seats are purchased through an airline representative or travel agent.

However, Laurie Beachell, the national co-ordinator for the CCD, said Air Canada's policies still discriminate against disabled passengers since they prevent them from taking advantage of the airline's cheapest "Tango" fares, which are only available for online purchase.

WestJet, which has blamed high fuel prices and competition for two consecutive quarters of losses, could not be reached yesterday for comment on its policies.

While the issue of accommodating the disabled on airplanes has been around for decades, it has recently taken on additional significance as Canada's population ages and disabled people gain more access to employment and other opportunities that require air travel.

Meanwhile, the airline industry has been moving toward the use of smaller aircraft on domestic routes and a focus on cheaper, economy-class flying -- a situation advocacy groups say is ominous for disabled travellers who need more room.

The federal hearing began on the same day the International Air Transport Association singled out high fuel prices as the "Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse," contributing to a predicted US$6-billion loss for the global airline industry this year.

IATA said the fuel bill of the world's airlines will total US$83-billion in 2005, up US$39-billion from two years ago.

© National Post 2005

.

[DA900]

"Airlines are not eager to accommodate people with disabilities," said David Baker, a lawyer representing disabled passengers in the hearing. "We will be seeking a systemic remedy."

He said with the dollar sign in his eyes.

I'm all for helping the handicap but lets be reasonable why do the airlines have to bear the burden every time someone feels they have been treated unjust.

[cyyz]

Fine they want to bring a respirators let them, they better know they'll be holding it in their laps for the flights..

As for "care-givers" rofl, umm, sorry if you want to bring your friend with you they pay for another seat...

one ticket one fare.. F*ck that, let the airlines start charging by the pound, you frigging wankers...

[WS739]

HMMMM its called medivac and you get as much rom as possible!

We try to accomodate to the best of our ability but when a 90 year old comes on with 2 oxygen bottles, cant speak cuz shes so sick, has the calstomy bag (sorry for spelling) and is so fraile that she cant be moved SHOULD be using MEDIVAC services.

I for one cannot belive Westjet is mentioned in there as we are one of the more dillient carriers in disable guests transfers and comfort.


Far to many time have i seen and done transfers of people going to hostpitals in YVR and the only reason they didnt go with MEDIVAC is because they ot a sweet deal on the flight!


Airlines including Air Canada and Jazz can only do so much! Are we sopposed to have a stretcher area or block a whole row for somone with oxygen.

In the states you cant even carry oxygen with you!!!!! Awell our goverment keeps finding ways to hurt the airline industry. Free seats will only make things worse!

[rigpiggy]

the airlines "rent space" pure and simple. if they sell you one seat, you get one seat. pure and simple. if they are travelling for a legitimate medical reason, then the govt. picks up the tab. if that's too much of a problem, they can pick up the tab for a medevac

[cyyz]

if they sell you one seat, you get one seat. pure and simple.

See, that's the BS, the airlines put up with... Stupid TC...

They should tell TC to fark off and build SOUL PLANE's where coach stands the whole flight....

Those guys that hit the WTC wouldn't have mattered if they were standing or sitting...

Funny how you can stand on a bus or the subway but not on a plane... Dumb arse gov't and dumb arse lobby groups..

[Jaques Strappe]

Only in Canada! I am as compassionate as the next guy but common sense has to come into play.

Like isn't fair! Get over it and buy a farkin helmet!

[yxu737]

I am with the airlines on this one if you need an extra seat you have to pay for it.