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For access arrangements and facilities at particular airports the website of the airport concerned may give some useful information.
Responsibility for providing services at the airport is shared between the airport and the airline. In general terms the airport is responsible for passenger services and assistance up to and including the check in desk. After you have checked in, the airline is responsible for providing services and assistance. The airline and airport may provide assistance using their own staff, or they may employ a company to provide this service for them.
From arrival at the airport by car, taxi, bus or train to the airline check-in desk, it is the airport which provides any assistance required. Once you have checked in, it is the airline and its baggage-handling agents who are responsible for providing any help.
Getting from the check-in desk to the aircraft can be a time of some concern to disabled travellers as it can be quite a considerable distance. If you have a mobility problem that slows your walking speed, or cannot walk great distances, it is a good idea to request assistance, maybe a wheelchair or buggy, even if normally you do not use one.
There are inevitably occasions when delays occur and the process becomes rushed. This is especially the case if you have to transfer from one flight to another, possibly involving crossing to another passenger terminal. Some international airports are very large, with long distances to negotiate between terminal buildings.
Security
Security is important to everyone - checks are made on all passengers and baggage. Neither disabled people nor their mobility equipment (e.g. wheelchairs) can be exempt from security searches.
Since 6 November 2006 new security measures have come into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports. The Department for Transport has published a guide to the requirements that are now in place, as well as advice to help passengers pass through the security check as quickly as possible.
In particular, some liquids are allowed once again through airport security check points but they may only be carried within separate containers each of which has a capacity not greater than 100ml. Essential medicines may be permitted in larger quantities above the 100ml limit, but will be subject to authentication. More information is available on the DfT website at: www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity.
All the facilities should be accessible to disabled people, the aisles and security archways or metal detectors are wide enough to allow wheelchairs to pass through, and staff will lift bags on to the x-ray machines if necessary.
Security staff are trained to conduct searches of disabled and less mobile passengers with sensitivity and care. If you would find a public search embarrassing, you can ask to go into a private search area. Staff should repack bags in a specific order for visually impaired passengers, so that you know where certain essential items are located.
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