Ferries, aeroplanes and other forms of international transport modes are generally not covered by the Disability Discrimination Act. However, the facilities at UK ports and airports are covered by Part 3 of the DDA (access to goods and services).

The UK Government is working with European and international agencies to develop common standards for international forms of travel. This is working towards the point at which disabled people can expect the same standards of access and service no matter which airline, ferry company, airport or ferry port they use. Gradually, UK and EU legislation is being introduced to set standards for accessibility.

In the meantime, there is lots of best practice guidance to which air and ferry travel service providers can refer.

Air travel

New EU legislation was introduced in July 2008 that covers any air passengers with 'reduced mobility'. This includes not only disabled people with a mobility impairment, but also anyone with non-permanent reduced mobility, such as a broken leg.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published guidance jointly with the Department for Transport outlining the rights of airline passengers with reduced mobility. This publication, entitled Your rights to fly – what you need to know, is available from the EHRC's website.

Ferry travel

Disabled people often still face many barriers when travelling by ferry, created by the design, management and operation of the ships and ports. The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) has published some guidance to tackle this issue, entitled Designing and Operating Passenger Vessels and Passenger Shore Infrastructure: Guidance on Meeting the Needs of Persons with Reduced Mobility. This is available on DPTAC’s website.