How to plan an accessible holiday abroad

Need extra support when travelling overseas? Here’s our quick and helpful guide to making holidays more accessible

When it comes to holidays with accessibility needs, things have improved a lot.

Many venues in the UK now try to make things easier for people with mobility issues. But what about air travel and going on holiday further afield?

UK airports and accessible travel

Most airports have a policy to help those with accessibility needs and ask travellers to get in touch at least 48 hours in advance to book extra support. A good place to look is the airport website, where you'll usually find information on how to arrange any special assistance, including contact details.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ranks UK airports for accessibility and services such as pre-bookable wheelchairs, staff who can assist people through the airport and special toilets. Below are some of the best rated airports in the UK.

Luton Airport

Luton is recognised as one of England’s best-performing airports for accessible travel – the CAA says it beats waiting time targets for passengers requiring assistance. The DART rail link connects to and from the terminal, and staff are on hand to assist those who book accessibility support. Travel on DART is free to blue badge holders, who can also use designated parking spaces located closer to the terminal.

Heathrow Airport

Heathrow offers plenty of accessible help and support and has a useful question and answer section on its website. It recently increased its staffing for its accessibility offer and has installed new lifts in Terminal 3 to overcome some of the challenges facing passengers requiring assistance with.

Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh has a useful guide for travellers using the Scottish capital's airport who are in need of some assistance.

Other UK airports rated “very good”

• Newcastle
• London Stansted
• City of Derry
• Belfast International

Flying comfortably with mobility issues

To make travel easier for customers with additional needs, some airlines offer:

• Pre-bookable wheelchairs
• Narrow wheelchairs to fit aircraft aisles
• Seats with extra leg space
• Accessible toilets.

British Airways has a useful online guide and Accessibility Team phone line to help its travellers. EasyJet also offers extensive guidance on its website, including a video explaining its offer – which includes onboard wheelchairs and accessible toilets. Other airlines offer similar services so it’s worth checking their websites.

Airlines and travel companies normally ask customers to tell them about their accessibility needs when they book, or at least 48 hours before they travel. Some have dedicated phone numbers for this, which can usually be found on the accessibility section of their website.

Accessible package holidays

Package holidays can help reduce the need to plan, as they usually cover flights, transfers to and from the hotel and the accommodation itself. Having local holiday reps on hand can also mean support is readily available to help with arrangements or resolve any issues.

Package holiday destinations are normally carefully vetted to ensure they’re suitable for a range of customers, with some companies offering deals that cater specifically for those with accessibility needs. Walk-in showers, wider doorways in rooms and wheelchair access are some of the benefits of an accessible resort or cruise package holiday, with transfers and airport assistance all part of the experience.

Some hotels and cruise ships have easy-access pools with a gently sloping bottom and wheelchairs that can go into the water thanks to inflatable tyres.

Check online customer reviews about accessibility

Whether staying in a hotel, taking a flight or booking a holiday, have a look at online feedback and read reviews from other customers detailing their experiences. You can often find these on the company’s own website, but it can also be worth checking for reviews on independent sites such as Tripadvisor.

Find the right travel insurance

Travel insurance should be considered for all holidays. It can help provide vital protection should things go wrong. This could mean reimbursing you should your trip get cancelled, or stepping in to cover the cost of any hospital stays.

Travel insurance with medical conditions

If you have a medical condition, there are still ways to stay protected while on holiday. At Age Co, we offer specialist travel insurance that covers over 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions.

By choosing Age Co Travel Insurance, provided through AllClear, you and your holiday can benefit from:

• Up to unlimited emergency medical and repatriation cover
• 5 Star Defaqto rated product options
• 24/7 emergency medical assistance helpline
• Mobility aids covered up to £2,500

Plus, Age Co is 100% owned by Age UK and gives its profits to the charity. In the last 5 years Age Co has donated more than £12m to Age UK.

Can I use a GHIC/EHIC Card?

A GHIC/EHIC (Global/European Health Insurance Card) entitles holders to get some types of medical treatment at a reduced cost or even free in many parts of Europe. If you currently have an EHIC, it remains valid until its expiry date, upon which you’ll need to apply for a new GHIC via the NHS.

However, these cards don’t cover everything or everywhere. Some services may be chargeable in other countries, despite being free in the UK. They also do not cover cancellations, lost luggage, or legal expenses – among other things.

Summary

Trying to plan an accessible holiday abroad? If so, here are some of the main takeaways to consider for your next big trip:

• Check to see if your nearby airports offer any accessible services, such as pre-bookable wheelchairs, seats with extra leg space or accessible toilets.
• There are package holidays on offer that are designed for travellers with accessibility requirements. You can also check to see if hotels offer features like easy-access pools or walk-in showers.
• Online reviews can be helpful way to understand if other customers has accessibility issues with the hotel or nearby destinations.
• Everyone travelling abroad should consider finding the right travel insurance. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, consider specialist protection.