Richard Branson airline helps passengers with hidden disabilities

Richard Branson airline helps passengers with hidden disabilities

 

Image: Virgin airplane flight

 

The British airline Virgin Atlantic, the founder of which is the world-famous entrepreneur, traveler, and philanthropist Richard Branson, has announced a new program to assist passengers with hidden disabilities. These are people who clearly do not demonstrate the presence of any limitations on health or movement but may need additional support and attention from the airport and airline employees.

The objective of the program is to make flights more comfortable and less worrying for passengers with special needs.


“We want every single customer to enjoy their time with us, but we also know that flying and travelling through airports can be a challenge, especially if you have a disability. That’s why we have a whole team of people dedicated to helping you fly comfortably and safely. But what if your disability isn’t an obvious one? What if you have autism and find the bright lights and noise of the duty free shops impossible to deal with? Or you’re living with dementia and are confused by the signage at the airport? It can be hard to ask for help when your disability isn’t visible, so we’ve developed an inconspicuous way of letting our staff know you may need some assistance” – said David Gunner, internal communications executive for Virgin Atlantic. 


To this end, Virgin Atlantic has developed a special symbol, which a passenger can download from the airline’s website, save as a picture in the smartphone, print and take on the passport, or carry as a pin badge. This symbol, in the form of a flying plane, which forms a heart trace, will help airline employees determine that the passenger may need additional assistance and be prepared to provide it.

Image: Hidden Disabilities symbol printed on paper
The new symbol will signal the airline staff that the passenger may need additional assistance (Source)

In addition, the airline’s employees have been trained to ensure they are fully informed about such implicit conditions as autism or Asperger syndrome, and are able to properly assist passengers with special needs. “Anyone wearing a Virgin Atlantic uniform has been trained on hidden disabilities. Like all great ideas it’s actually quite simple and starts with ‘How can I help?’. It’s about listening, slowing down, keeping things quiet, offering assurance and being as accommodating as possible” – said David Gunner. 


Geraldine Lundy, passenger accessibility manager at Virgin Atlantic, says: “We are committed to giving all customers easier access to travel. The Hidden Disabilities scheme is one of a series of initiatives that Virgin Atlantic is planning on introducing over the coming years, to help those with disabilities overcome any key challenges they may face.”

Image: Geraldine Lundy
Geraldine Lundy, Virgin Atlantic Passenger Accessibility Initiator

About 22 percent of the UK population has a disability, with more than half of them stating that their disability is hidden.

Virgin Atlantic Ltd. Is a British airline, which is owned by Virgin Group and Singapore Airlines. The airline operates long-haul routes between the UK and North America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.