TGA aim to deliver hassle-free flying with UK’s first mobility scooter passport & flight checklist
Aiming to support the growing number of end-users travelling with their mobility vehicles, TGA Mobility is introducing a unique product passport and flight checklist to make travel easier for those with a mobility scooter.
Unveiling the passport at this year’s Naidex, the latest initiative from the company aims to make information and advice regarding product suitability on buses, trains, cruises and particularly planes easier to access for disabled travellers and the aviation industry.
According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), there are more disabled people flying than ever before, with last year seeing a record 3.7 million requests for assistance at UK airports between the April 2018 to March 2019 – a rise of over 80 percent since 2010.
With more disabled people taking to the air, airports and airlines are also handling more mobility devices, including powerchairs and mobility scooters.
Stating that there is a growing trend in end-users taking their own mobility scooters on planes for holidays, business and family visits, TGA says the process of transporting mobility products varies between airport and airlines across the world.
Despite the processes and policies differing at different destinations and with different carriers, TGA emphasises that there are common considerations which can assist with more efficient transfers which the new passport scheme will aid with.
The ‘Scooter Passport’ scheme and flight checklist will provide travellers arriving at airports with all the information needed to make checking in their mobility scooters easier, says the company, including complete details regarding their product and all planning requirements completed.
The first scheme of its kind in the UK, the new TGA scooter passport will comprise of a ‘luggage tag’ style design that can be affixed to products before departure.
According to the supplier, the tag is reusable and uses a non-tear material, allowing owners to write all of their scooter details including product name, size, weight and battery type.
At check-in, airport staff can then make an informed decision regarding handling of the scooter throughout the airport and stowage on the plane. Ground crew and baggage handlers can also manage the scooter appropriately to reduce the risk of damage and airline captains are informed so there is no confusion or delay.
On arrival, the TGA passport will offer airport staff important product information so the scooter passenger’s experience is as hassle-free and seamless as possible, says the company.
To support the free TGA passport, customers can also obtain the new TGA flight checklist which is a simple four-page tick-box booklet detailing all the recommended actions before air travel with a scooter.
Planning activities such as informing airline special assistance teams, checking airport accessibility and scooter battery suitability are all included, with actions chronologically categorised along with a recommended list of paperwork to take to the airport.
Free copies of the new TGA passport and flight checklist will be available to dealers and end-users on stand N812 at Naidex 2020.