AIRPORT ASSISTANCE: Flying with a Disability - easyJet vs Flybe ♿ 

Those Thomas Cook planes though 😭

I have to respect your wife a lot for allowing you to record this, and I also respect how honest she is with it. Also I believe that your wife should not feel ashamed or like she is in the way as she is not in the way, and she deserves to be on the flight as much as everyone else, and she shouldn’t have to suffer when flying, as flying should always be a fun experience

Im an international check-in agent in Australia and regularly aid travellers that depend on mobility assistance services. This video has been a useful tool in understanding the challenges of flying specifically with Rachel’s condition, and has given me great insight on what I can do in the future guests (with fibromyalgia) to ensure assistance is personalised best to their needs. Thanks you Noel and Rachel

Not all disabilities can be seen. Hearing loss makes travel challenging. The last time I flew a low cost airline in the US, I was put in a wheelchair upon arriving at the airport. This allowed the airline staff to know I could need assistance as I have trouble hearing flight announcements. Also if one has hearing challenges, be sure to advise the front desk at your hotel so that in an emergency you can be assisted.

Thank you both for shedding light on the dilemmas the disabled have to deal with whilst travelling. As a stroke patient, though somewhat mobile, with arthritis in the lower back and hips, I have to arrange assistance through the airlines with airport staff in order to get through airport security to the gate and as far the plane, and in changing gates when in transition. Quite often I travel alone and rarely have a chance to get a coffee or go to the toilet after being taken to the gate. Although I am mobile, trekking long distances through airports will do me in for several days unless I should have assistance. Unfortunately, at times I do not have assistance to go through an airport to get to a connecting flight, even after having made prior arrangements for assistance. Also, I take advantage of pre-boarding in order to board the flight and settle before the general boarding begins. You should contact the airline you are travelling on to arrange for pre-boarding to avoid the congestion in the aisle. Noel, you made the comment that Rachel was looked at as though there was no sign of disability. What a lot of people do not realise is that there are any number of disabilities that are not openly visible, such as Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Heart issues, Joint Replacement, etc. Rachel, keep do what you can when you can, you are fighting a good fight. Slàinte

Thats an awesome and extraordinary report. I appreciate you guys being so open about the disability and helping others. All the thumbs up 👍👍👍

Great teamwork there! Your wife is lovely. I think that there should have a dedicated coffee bar and someone to look out for disabled passengers in disabled areas. Imagine not being able to go to the bathroom when traveling alone.

I think the reason they didn't use the lift for the FlyBe flight was due to how low the plane is. Q400's are really small and low aircraft, compared to an A320 anyway.

I like how you and your wife really personalized the experience of flying.

Surprised they didn’t let her go first. On all Australian airlines the procedure would be to send your wife before priority/general boarding began or in some rare cases last after everyone is on (This is only regarding the Easyjey flight).

9:08 That’s what Ryanair wish they could achieve

Your wife is simply adorable! Nice informative video.

I have much sympathy with Rachel. I have had ME/CFS (very similar to Fibromyalgia) for many years. So far I've just about managed to cope at airports without assistance, mainly through luck rather than anything else, but it's good to know that it's available for conditions such as ours. Just because our limbs are not in plaster etc. doesn't mean we don't need help from time to time, but some people are just so ignorant. I wish Rachel very well.

As a frequent flyer and being in a wheelchair permanent i'v had mixed experiences and most airlines will board me first. When i am boarded they use a specially built aisle wheelchair to get me to my seat.

Taking the Mrs to do flight reviews. Couple goals right there boys.

Noel, Your wife is a beautiful person, lucky man, thanks to her for helping in the making of the video, God bless you and your family.

I am both a disabled person and a travel agent and from my experience the airlines' treatment of disabled passengers can vary greatly, not only from airline to airline but from flight to flight. I have had great experiences on Delta, American and Cathay Pacific and a not great experience on United. Probably the worst for me was Spirit, who really made me feel like they did not want my business. Never again!!! Keep up the great work and please post more of these types of videos, they are of great service to the disabled flying public.

Why didn't they the staff got your wife seated first before letting everyone board there aircraft knowing there steads where up front must airlines down our way do

- belfast city. You say dumped anywhere yet you are in a sign posted assistance area? Also for the passengers traveling on thier own at 14:00 minutes in you can see the bright yellow call point for assistance passengers to use if they need help with anything while they are waiting. Last concern is the use of the ambilift your wife is able to manage the steps aka WCHR (WCHR- assistance to the bottom of the aircraft steps) you make it sound as if it is an inconvenience to use the ambilift when its not necessary unless a passenger states they want it. You were asked at the gate again if you were able to manage the steps to which your wife said yes. The context of this video makes belfast city assistance look bad when statistically they are one of the best in the uk and very few people have a bad thing to say about it.

It's so important to make people aware of fibromyalgia I suffer with this and the outside they think I'm well but you cant see the pain from the inside xx

you might want to reupload the video without your address

Couldn’t agree more, my wife has a hidden disability and she finds asking for the assistance to be hit or miss, usually great within the UK, but outside sometimes never arrives. Great to see this video.

P.s. I have been looking all over the internet for videos on traveling with disabilities...this is the first informational one I have found...please do more.....on this subject.

With this new point-of-view, when I travel and see a person traveling that may have a disability, I will make sure to stop by and ask how I can help. This is especially true if they are solo traveling. There is no need to feel as if you are "dropped off" while society moves past. No more when I have a chance to close this gap. THANK YOU BOTH, and ESPECIALLY RACH, for bravery in bringing this to my attention. I make a promise to you to help things get better.

I have fibro too and know how hard it can be. I am always surprised how much it can be affected by mental overload, as well as physical. I’ve never used assistance. It is something I will consider in the future because I definitely pay for it after I travel and I should probably make use of it as a proactive measure

Don’t they hoard people who need assistance first? They do in the US. (I’m referring to the Easyjet flight)

My sister has it and I understand where your lovely wife is coming from. When she goes on holiday it can knock her out for days on end and because it’s still very new, it’s still quite unknown. Also because you can’t see it, people can sometimes have very little understanding it what your going through. I’ve also done assistance at Manchester, Luton, Barcelona and USA and all were great. All though Luton we were placed at a gate miles away and I was really worried they had forgot us. My friend who can not walk was very well looked after with easy jet and virgin on board. I could not recommend them both enough. But Fantastic video. I’m so grateful to you both because this needs to be shown more. I hope you wife recovered ok and thank you for showing it. Keep up the great videos. Thanks.

I am very happy that you made this video, as a disabled person I understand how you and your wife feel with the difficulties that come up which taking planes and getting through the airport. I am glad that you decided to make this video and enjoyed watching it very much.

All i see is 2 people receiving special treatment but moaning about the whole thing🧐

Informative program! The first time that I flew disabled(severe pain in feet, could walk a short distance but quite painful) I wasn't aware that in the USA a passenger is expected to tip! The attendant at the first airport seemed quite disgruntled when he realized I wasn't tipping him. On my flight back I had a connection in Charlotte NC. They changed my gate 3 times and I requested a wheelchair each time. They used the little electric carts at that airport. At my departure gate the agent noticed that I had been assigned the last row in Economy Class and told me that he thought that was unreasonable and upgraded me to the first row in First Class! They just happened to have a seat available. I was quite impressed with that kind of service and must thank American Airlines for that! It seems like a no brainer to assign disabled passengers seats near the front of the cabin. Even the first row of regular Economy Class would be better than what you and your wife were given. Would like to know if tipping the assistant is common in other countries. Take care and Happy Travels!

Hi Noel, I've been watching your videos for a while now and hadn't realised your wife has fibro. My wife also has fibro and watching this video was very familiar to the issue we face went trying to do similar outings. My wife ends up feeling in the way which will then cause her depression grow. Which all in all means we tend not to go out on big excursion. This is very hard on our two children who tend to miss out a bit on these sort of experiences. I'd like to thank you and your wife for putting yourselves through this on camera to show it is possible and some of the pit falls to watch out for.

I love birmingham airport. and the final call voice etc. is just satisfying for me lol

I know this is an old video but 3 years on and booking with air France 🇫🇷 😢oh my word! We have been lied to hung up on and told someone would carry me to my seat! At 20 stone I would think not as they would not be insured and I suffer with pain and defo don't want to be carried I'm too wide for an Isle chair! So now we are fighting for our money back because they can't provide me with any other support! Yes the key word is fighting!!!

Just curious How the ada experience might be in the u.s....ive never seen an ambilift..they often have mobile ramps..have you experience it in the u.s. thank you?

This channel has so much quality content that I turn of my adblocker and watch the whole ads everytime. You deserve every penny.

I wish all airports were also built to assume everyone has disabilities, so have no steps, ramps everywhere, wheelchairs for everyone to use, clever designs from check-in, security to boarding. I often see so many things that can be improved upon, surprises me that they don't - but it's probably because most of these architects/designers are healthy, not in constant pain.

This vlog vwasa really helpful, as I am a wheelchair user, thank you.

20:30 wasnt that a ramp in the background which could have been used to disembark with wheelchair?

I suffer from fybromyalgia too, hard for people to understand how it makes us feel. Was upset for you both when some passengers were giving you and Rachel death stares. Really insightful look at how airlines and airports handle person's with disabilities!

Thank you for sharing your experience, my wife has a walking disability which is not evident by looking at her. It means that all the walking at airports is exhausting for her. We have considered assistance , but surprised to see that even with assistance the experience appears challenging and exhausting.

I’m going to Paris tomorrow on EasyJet from Glasgow! 😁

RIP Flybe 😭😭

I’m your number one fan

In my experience, this has more to do with the airport than the airline. I have frequently had great assistance at Barcelona. My worst experience was at Stansted.

Me and my girlfriend flew with.......Thomas cook!!! On the 19th September just gone and we had a very good service with them free allocated seats and special assistance to and from airport and aircraft.........just a shame we couldn’t fly back with them

Think many people missed the point, this video is to highlight issues disabled people face when they fly, its a collaboration between airlines and ground service providers, which was clearly highlighted. Hats off to the staff involved (was not just guys pushing the wheelchairs btw) Massive thanks to Rach for sharing her personal experience with us. It shows how service levels between airlines can vary, Easyjet Ambulift standard - Flybe " we can get you one if you REALLY need it" This video is groundbreaking, congratulations ...... to all airlines and airports, take note please.

♿♿♿✌✌✋👍🏼👍🏼, RENAULT, NO GOOD,.🚘, . You test GOOD JOB

Thank you so much for making this video, this topic is so important! I have peripheral neuropathy and thus difficulty walking. Last summer my boyfriend and I flew from San Francisco to Zurich, and both airports were extremely helpful. Their friendly assistance staff picked me up with a wheelchair, speeded me through security and wheeled me right onto the plane. The flight crew (United) was very friendly too, they smiled, we could go right to our seats, and upon arrival a wheelchair was right there at the door to pick me up again.

I love easyJet

Love this video! It’s nice to see traveling with disabilities featured. I’ve got fibromyalgia and moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, so traveling is never easy and I don’t do much of it. When I have been able to travel, I’ve found that the assistance that you get is different with airports. The greatest assistance I’ve ever gotten was at MCO (Orlando Intl Airport) on Southwest and the worst assistance is my hometown airport, STL (Lambert- St. Louis Intl Airport) flying in on Alaska Airlines from Seattle. Of course, I’m sure it varies from day to day and with staff as well. I’m flying out this December on Southwest to MIA (Miami Intl Airport), so we’ll see how that goes. At least this time I’m flying into Miami with my dad, so I won’t be alone which is sure to make things much easier.

Flights should be fun. I agree that the gentleman's wife is not in the way with her disability.

Ever looked into dysautonomia or elhers danlos they are often misdiagnosed for fibro

So much respect for both of you! I’ve got severe ME/CFS and ended up marrying a man from India which required multiple 18-20 hour flights plus airport time the past few years. Ending up on disability cost me my first marriage so I have so much shame about it, I go to great lengths to keep it hidden from people. After a 3 year visa process my hubby is here in the US finally but to give people an idea what international round trip flights and week in India can do to those of us with ME, I brought my hubby home on June 9, 2022 and it’s August 24th 22 when I’m writing this and I’m still sick and bed bound most of the time from the wear and tear on my body & blood clots from that trip. I raised my daughter on just my disability income so anything other than the cheap plane seats is outta the question. I’m not sure if ever be able to have the courage to use the assistance services cuz of the personal shame I’ve got about my disabilities but I commend you so much @Rachel for having the ability to take care of yourself when you need to and so much respect for you @Noel for loving & helping your wife the way you do!!!

Awesome Vlog Noel really interesting getting an insight into travel assistance big thank you to Rachel in particular easyJet should give front seats to a disabled passenger and Flybe need to completely rethink their strategy

The high prices of seats at the front isn't discriminatory, Noel. You could make that argument about first class seats, that they discriminate against the tall, like yourself, because they have to extra or be squashed in economy class.

Thank you for making this video!! My mom also has fibro, and faces these challenges. Just a heads up: if you call these airlines and ask for a bulkhead seat (or one close to the front), they'll give it to you free of charge if you have wheelchair service ordered.

rip flybe

T12/L1 spinal fracture...and flown many times in the USA.... Love flying Southwest because I'm the 1st one on the plane....the pick of seats is MINE no matter which group the ticket says... *evil laugh here*

I'm getting caught up with your videos, and this was next. You and your your wife did an excellent job doing some real-time accessibility assessment without hype but pointing out some of the obvious flaws in the system. Still, I also appreciate your dedication to your family and to your job of informing us about your observations and your dedication to fairness and the reality of commercial flying.

This is really unusual for flybe i work ground crew at a small airport and we have "aviramps" that we use on the dash 8 flybes basically a big ramp we stick on the rear door and they pop u up in a wheel chair, i thought these were nationwide ?

Should make more videos like this it's nice to see the reality of flying with a disability or with someone with a disability I thought travelling by train with a disability was difficult enough

Another great video! I love seeing the trips you and your family/wife take especially! Very informative video (:

I love watching you two traveling together

Why don't they board those who need assistance first or last? Making them board with everyone else against the normal flow is awful.

Thank You for your flight reports, I really like them! 41 GBP to 24 hours of parking in the airport - It's insane! In Israel (Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion airport) You'll pay 80 ILS per day maximum (something like 20-21 Euro) for the parking near to Terminal 3, for Terminal 1 You'll pay 40 ILS per day.

Hi Noel& Rachel! i've been binge watching your channel for the last couple of days since finding it and this video was particularly close to home for me as i myself am a disabled person (spina bifida) i have zero use of my legs . I won't lie watching how much really both airlines made you struggle infuriated me but kudo's to you Rachel for letting the process be filmed and shared online ANNNNDDD for not blowing up especially with Flybe not providing an ambi lift in the rain! i myself have struggled many times especially on the longer flights i have taken to Dubai years ago. mainly on the Dubai side, which was surprising being as i come from Malta. Even more so now as i've gotten older and my body has grown, due to my condition my knees don't bend they are locked in a slightly bent position (maybe 20* ) so i have to book front front row of the air craft for the extra room which is a real struggle. Anywho thank you for sharing !

This is an exceptional video. You give incredible information. The video style is superior. I live in the states. My 83 year old mobility challenged mother will be moving in with me and we will be traveling. I now know what issues I need to be aware of and what services to ask for to accommodate her needs. Thank you so much!

Noel, it’s frightening to see some of the issues I’ve experienced aren’t isolated or just affecting one airline / airport. I’ve flown BA and Virgin Atlantic out of both Heathrow, Gatwick and London city to Milan, New York, St Lucia, dublin and Orlando. Despite booking ahead on all occasions, it was totally forgotten at London city (on the way back, I was helped by the cabin crew and flight crew who were finishing their duty day and heading off home), same in Miami. In Gatwick, was told to go find passenger assistance myself - I’m visually impaired, was using my white stick.... go figure. Nearly every time I’ve landed at Heathrow, I’ve had to wait 20 minutes plus, on two occasions I’d been flying business class. Thank heavens I’d made a friend over a night cap on board who said he was using rail air coach too so we walked together! Also, as you said they are super keen to dump you in isolated spots preferably at gate. Once, flying business with ba, they kept me waiting so long at the initial reception, it became apparent they’d be taking me to the gate rather than lounge so I took my white stick, got them to walk me in the direction of fast track security, and on the other side, I threw myself at the mercy of the staff in the first class ba lounge who got me into business lounge, and ensured assistance collected me from there. On talking to cabin crew, they say all uk airports are terrible and Heathrow and Gatwick amongst the worst. Generally, the big American airports are better - they at least ask about your needs

I traveled to Morocco in July I also have fibromyalgia and similar to ms I use two crutches or my self propelled wheelchair. We travelled from Manchester it was ok I can do the stairs mostly ideally should use ambilift but don’t want to be a burden and also it takes longer to wait for lift. Usually the assistance seats have extra leg room and at the front. Only thing would say is when landed they just left my wheelchair at baggage claim alone and from airplane to baggage used airport wheelchair think ideally my wheelchair should be at airplane when land. Afternoon flights are the best for me in regards to health as early morning and night is when worst. Always should wear flight socks if health allows confirm with GP and get letter with all meds on so can confirm if got strong or controlled drugs. This you may not use but certain countries do not allow certain drugs.

7:19 rest in peace

Have to say being a disabled traveller myself most of Europe is pretty good

I completely understand what you say about hidden disabilities. I have lost many so called friends since I developed epilepsy. I don't consider it a disability myself, but lots don't understand it. Where flying is concerned, you should be on and off first. It would cost 2 minutes of everyones time. You have a beautiful wife by the way, and I hope you and she take it in the way it is meant.

So passengers CAN board on the right.

Having flown with my disabled wife, for many years, generally we have found disabled assistance in this country is poor e.g. having to wait for my wife's chair in baggage reclaim, being "abandoned" there whilst someone was coming to help (they didn't !!) etc. Over the past 12 years we have been on holiday in Cyprus where the disabled assistance is SUPERB - they could show some UK airports a thing or two !!

Love your videos mate!!! Specially the around the world in 80 hrs... would suggest you to review the following 1. The Canadian running from Toronto to Vancouver 2. Trans siberian 3. Can you also review air Baltic and air canada? Keep up the great work... still trying to figure out how you can afford to travel so much and most of the times like a king... I have subscribed to you.. looking forward for some more interesting stuff...

I count myself pretty lucky when it comes to airport assistance. I fly twice a year from Pensacola Florida to Missouri (there are 3 different airports a few hours from where I lived there). Every time I have flown the assistants have gone out of their way to get me anything I needed and not once have I felt like an inconvenience. They have been great about working around my disabilitied and making sure I get to my gate on time. Also I have a travel agent make the reservation and they call the airline the day before I guess as a reminder. We were leary of me flying at first but so far it has been great.

I've flown as a healthy person and as a disabled person. I, too, have fibromyalgia, in addition to lupus and more. It's terrible. I was wheeled across some large airports (such as Atlanta!) and remember feeling that isolated feeling. Tell Rachel (sp?) I love the pink in her hair! She's a trooper. :)

Noel, it was great to see you travel with your better half. I am disabled and feel uncomfortable with the idea of getting on/off airplanes. I live in the states and have never noticed a lift like that. Thank you for all your videos. Cheers!

Can I just say. You guys are couple goals.

We want more happy couple vibe video's like this! You two are adorable together

Belfast international is the worst rated in the uk and Belfast city is the best rated lol

This is very informative- very nice to see as someone who has disabilities and has plans to travel in the future. I have CP, I walk with a cane and I have a hearing loss as well- I may be behind the times because I only discovered your channel not even a few weeks ago- so this was very informative for me! I have really enjoyed your travels and experiences and all. Thank you for posting this video.

Amazing video guys never actually given this much thought tbh really insightful.

Wonderful video and well done to you both !! A very close look at how people such as your lovely wife have to cope with modern day flying. I have been in the special assistance lounge at Heathrow which is near the Emirates lounge...it was full of passengers who needed help to either get to the gate or help to board the aircraft. It was fascinating to watch people being loaded into chairs or carts to be taken to the boarding gate...and appeared to run like a well oiled machine !! Thanks again to you both...a most fascinating look at another side of air travel.!! 10 out of 10!

I’ve noticed Flybe using a lot of ex Brussels airlines dash 8 🧐

Hmm...I'd consider one or two fewer flights throughout the year and spend a little extra on forward row seating for Rachel's comfort.

Easyjet are very consistent, from the Stelios days to one of the biggest Airlines in Europe.It shows in this video,positivity is key here compared to Flybe. Once again a great upload and lovely to see your wife Noel!!

Oh how I wish that you would have used the ambilift on the Dash 8. These are the planes most people in a wheelchair try to avoid because there is no video showing how transport is used. What if the person like myself cannot walk up the stairs, how is it done? Thanks for trying.

People with disabilities are treated like 2nd or 3rd class citizens

Love this video. Great to know the process and great to give tips for people who need assistance. Think you should compare airport than airlines tho as I work for BA and any assistance that is needed is dealt mostly with Heathrow and not the airline. But Keep up the great video. 👍🏼

Your address is shown at 1:40!

Thank you for showing this, another really good video There is this great lady on youtube as well who travels with a disability, Wheelsnoheels - Gem Hubbard

When you say take an Uber I cringe because there is no Uber lol

We flew British Airways from Pittsburgh to London and then to Athens last year with our 21 year old special needs son. He is non-verbal and non-ambulatory. Our experience was pretty good overall but noticed some variability among the different airports in the way they do things. In Pittsburgh we were allowed to board first even before the boarding process had started. This gave us the extra few minutes needed to transfer our son to the onboard wheelchair and onto his airplane seat. By the time we put our bags away and sat in our seats the general boarding started. The exact scenario also happened in Athens on the way back. In London however, both on the outbound and inbound legs of the trip the experience was very messy. Unfortunately the airplane was parked away from the terminal so no jetway was available. We waited for a special lift truck and that worked well. By the time we got to the airplane the boarding not only had started but it was almost complete. This meant that we had to wheel our son through the very narrow aisle of the plane from back all the way to the front watching not to hit anyone’s knees. Of course when we got to our seats there was no overhead compartment room for us! I never understood why in London they didn’t always allow “people requiring assistance” to board first? I thought it was an anomaly that day but it was not. The exact same thing happened on the way back and only in London! Not asking for anything more than I’m (my son is) entitled to here. How hard is it to think of the folks with severe disabilities?

I live on. The shankill

Thank you Noel for all your wonderful work, I have followed you for a while I guess but lockdown has me picking out my favorite AV Geek people and you are amazing ! I will always go back to enjoying the reviews of the business/first class experience because who doesn’t ?!!! However I watched you do the Milk Runs, I saw you in a helicopter in Nepal, Ive been amazed at your endurance flights and touched by your flights with your wife and kids. I was 20 when I came to the US from the UK 30 years ago, I just turned 50 and still live here. I live 20 miles N of NYC and my husband is a Police Officer. I and he were planning to travel this year ALOT ! I was so looking forward to it, to go somewhere new and come back across the pond a few times. Your videos have been have been such a joy in these sad times. I hope you stay safe, I’m happy you are still flying though because we all want to know what its like out there. Stay well

RIP FlyBe

Thank you for the video. I have arthritis in my knee so walking long distances can be difficult. When I booked my flight to London for October I did book assistance I was in two kinds about it because I only need it to get to the gate and to get to the plane from the gate I feel I I'll be alright. Since it is longer distances I have problems with depending on how my knee is. I agree if you have a hidden disability some people just don't understand.

Hahah nice saw my house just about as you took off from Birmingham

I know this video is 2 years old, but I'm a recent subscriber. I have wondered about this issue myself. I don't necessarily have a diagnosed disability, but rather tremendous loss of strength due to previous illness. I could probably manage steps if someone helps me with my bag, but I couldn't take a full-size carry-on and stow it above. One worry I have, if I am ever fortunate enough to visit Europe again, is uneven pavements and cobblestone streets. Even in the best of days I could easily have tripped over my own two feet, but now I'm quite worried about falling.