November 28th 2024.
Being a wheelchair user, air travel has always been a daunting and difficult experience for Josh Wintersgill. He has faced numerous challenges and barriers while traveling by air, which has taken a toll on his dignity and self-worth. One particular incident in 2017 stands out in Josh's memory, when he was boarding a flight to Tenerife from Bristol. The airline staff had no proper equipment to assist him, so they had to lift him manually by his arms and legs. This not only caused him immense physical pain, but it also left him feeling demoralized and vulnerable, surrounded by other passengers who were already seated and staring at him.
Unfortunately, Josh's experience is not unique. Many passengers with disabilities face avoidable obstacles while traveling, making simple tasks like checking-in, getting through security, and boarding the plane challenging or even impossible. It is disheartening that accessibility still heavily relies on the goodwill of strangers, poorly trained staff, and a lack of infrastructure. For Josh, this has been a lifelong battle, as he has had to fight for even the most basic things, such as access to education, employment, and transportation. Thankfully, his grandmother instilled in him the spirit of perseverance, with her motto "Put 'can't' in your pocket and pull out 'try'."
Air travel, in particular, has been an uphill struggle for Josh. In addition to the incident in 2017, there have been other instances where he was forced into using a manual wheelchair, had his wheelchair damaged, or was treated with disrespect and neglect by airline staff. These experiences pushed Josh to take matters into his own hands and create a solution that would make air travel easier and safer for passengers with disabilities. He founded a company called ableMove, which offers a range of transfer aids, including the easyTravelseat, a sling that allows passengers to be lifted into the aircraft instead of being manually transferred. This innovative product has been successful globally, with a significant impact in the UK, Europe, and North America.
Despite these advancements, a 2021 survey conducted by ableMove revealed that over 75% of wheelchair users still face barriers while flying, with 43% giving up on air travel altogether due to these obstacles. Shockingly, 60% of respondents reported incidents of wheelchair damage during their flights, a reality that Josh is all too familiar with. These statistics highlight the urgent need for the aviation industry to take accessibility seriously and make necessary changes.
In 2023, Josh co-founded Rights on Flights with TV presenter Sophie Morgan, after her wheelchair was assembled incorrectly and broken by airline staff. This global initiative advocates for greater accountability and support for passengers with disabilities in the aviation industry. Significant progress has been made since then, with the US Department of Transportation imposing a $50 million fine on American Airlines for violations of disability rights protections. This landmark decision has sent a clear message to the aviation industry that accessibility should not be an afterthought but a fundamental right for all passengers.
In the UK, the Department for Transport launched a review in 2024 to tackle the issues faced by disabled passengers during air travel. This nine-month review aims to develop tangible actions that the industry, regulator, or government can implement to improve the travel experience for people with disabilities. This is a crucial step towards greater inclusion and equality in the aviation sector.
Aside from his advocacy work, Josh has also been recognized as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK, being named a finalist in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list in 2022 and ranked fourth in 2024. This annual list celebrates disabled leaders and role models, promoting diversity within the community and challenging the stereotype that disabled people are a homogeneous group. Josh firmly believes that by highlighting the achievements of disabled individuals, society will realize the value and potential that people with disabilities bring to every industry, including aviation.
In addition to his advocacy and achievements, Josh also advises and works with UK airports, airlines, and regulators to improve their accessibility practices. However, even as an advocate and consultant, he knows that air travel remains a struggle for many, if not impossible. He strongly believes that the industry needs a fundamental shift in perspective, where accessibility is not an afterthought but a top priority. While fines may promote compliance, lasting change will only come when accessibility is recognized as a basic right for all passengers.
Josh is hopeful that with continued collaboration, innovation, and accountability, accessible air travel is within reach. He urges the industry to keep pushing forward, with dignity and equality at the heart of air travel for everyone. Do you have a story to share about your travel experiences? Feel free to reach out and share your views in the comments below.
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