Some people are very sensitive about being seen in a wheelchair. But they might just want an arm to hold onto. And I think by and large there have been many improvements in that area. Gammon cites what he says is a general awareness that society should take a more proactive approach toward the physically challenged. And I think aviation is pretty innovative and is usually at the forefront of this kind of thing.
Airlines can play a big part in encouraging airports to improve their facilities for the disabled.
He notes that the reputation of a carrier is at least partly dependent on the ability of airports to deliver good service. And an excellent impression created at the beginning of a trip can be wiped out by a bad experience at the other end. The more disabled people travel, the more they need to become recognized. It was not that long ago, he recalls, when physically challenged people were carried onto planes by firefighters in full view of other passengers. Now there is more specialist equipment.