Columnist – Ruben Carol
I’ve always said that I will avoid flying with Ryanair at all costs, but recently I had no choice as I needed to book a flight to Ireland to speak at a conference about inclusion. I already had a chip on my shoulder and was concerned with assistance and was not looking forward to my trip. As a disabled person, I have known Ryanair hasn’t had the best track record.
When I booked my priority tickets a couple of months ago, I phoned assistance (which no non-disabled person has to do) and let them know that I am a wheelchair user and require my wheelchair all the way to the door of the aircraft. I then transfer to my crutches and can make my own way to my seat. I also let them know that I cannot do stairs, as Ryanair usually has stairs to the door and no skybridge. (Why? I don’t know, but I can only assume it costs extra.)
I flew from Stansted, London to Dublin and when I got to the airport, the assistance desk seemed to be chaotic and very busy, but I was surprised, as they were attentive and I didn’t have to wait as long as expected. They were very polite and extremely helpful. When the plane arrived, they started to board priority passengers (not me though, no pre-boarding on Ryanair). Then they began to board the rest of the passengers and I started getting worried and thinking that the ambulift was not going to arrive (which happened to me in Morocco once, where Ryanair forced me up the stairs with all the passengers watching). Then somebody from assistance gathered all the wheelchair users and guided us to the lift where we boarded at the back of the plane – I made it to my seat and flew with no issues.
When we arrived in Dublin, I waited until everybody got off the plane, and another lift greeted me at the door and assistance proceeded to assist me through passport control. To my surprise on the return flight, I had the same positive experience.
So overall, my journey with Ryanair seemed to go pretty smoothly. As wheelchair users, we all have anxieties and preconceptions about travelling by aeroplane. In this case, I should not have allowed myself to get so worried, I guess. At last, Ryanair surpassed my (low) expectations.
About Ruben Carol
Ruben is a disability access and inclusion specialist, trainer and facilitator and has had the pleasure of training organisations, including TfL and Uber.
He’s also an actor, VO artist, and public speaker. Appearances include Good Omens, His Dark Materials and Doctors.
You can find him on Facebook and Instagram @Ruben.Carol.Actor
