Ahead of the busy holiday season, Bristol Airport is reminding customers of the options available for passengers with reduced mobility or non-visible disabilities. The Airport advises that there are multiple points to request Assisted Travel, with self-assist wheelchairs located throughout the terminal for those that wish to travel independently.
All customers requiring help should pre-book the service through their airline. Once booked, the customer can decide at what point in the terminal they would like to be assisted.
“The common misconception is that customers using our assistance service have to register for help as soon as they arrive at Bristol Airport, when in fact they don’t,” explains Martyn Collings, Performance and Contracts Manager. “Complimentary wheelchairs can be found throughout the terminal building including near the assistance desks in the check in hall and departure lounge.”
Bristol Airport currently has 11 gates with lift access, along with specialised vehicles to transport customers to the aircraft. This summer, the Airport will be taking delivery of four state-of-the-art electric Ambi lifts, which are used to transport customers onto the aircraft, and two more minibuses.
Key advice from Bristol Airport:
- For customers are driving themselves, the Airport recommends using the Silver Zone, as there are dedicated bays outside the reception. As long as their Blue Badge is left in the windscreen, the customer’s car will be waiting for them in one of the bays on their return. The shuttle bus has accessible ramps and the bus drivers are trained to help anyone who needs assistance getting on and off.
- Those being dropped off in the Drop and Go car park next to the terminal should head to the assistance point (found under the covered walkway and next to the smart trolleys). There is a contact point which can be used to call the desk. Assistance is normally received within 5 – 10 minutes of calling if pre-booked, which is highly recommended. All car parks have assistance signs and either a phone number to call or an intercom to reach the desk in the check in hall.
- Customers with a non-visible disability or who are unable to stand for long periods of time should visit the assistance desk in the check in hall, where they will be given a card to show at security to ensure the team are aware and can direct them to the shortest routes.
- Bristol Airport provides dedicated routes, shown by sunflowers on the floor, for those who need to avoid busy environments as well as a sensory room, which can be booked in advance for free.
- Customers are reminded that they can pre-order medicine, baby supplies, toiletries and much more online at Boots.
More information about Bristol Airport’s Assisted Travel can be found on the website: www.bristolairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/special-assistance
