EasyJet Taken to Task over Wheelchair Policy

Airline easyJet has come under fire for preventing thousands of disabled people from flying on its planes by refusing to allow most powered wheelchairs onboard.

The airline refuses to carry in one piece wheelchairs that weigh more than 60kg without their batteries. Trailblazer, a campaign group for people with muscular dystrophy, claims this restriction excludes most powered wheelchairs, which weigh an average of 100kg with their batteries detached.

EasyJet blames the weight restriction on health and safety rules, which limit the amount each baggage handler is allowed to lift. A spokesman said that because the airline operated only short-haul flights and did not carry cargo, it did not have the aircraft or equipment necessary for lifting and carrying heavy objects.

Source: The Guardian