Virgin Atlantic launches Hidden Disabilities scheme

The scheme aims to make flying less stressful for those with hidden disabilities

Virgin Atlantic has launched a Hidden Disabilities scheme across its networks.

The initiative aims to make flying easier and less stressful for those who may face additional challenges when travelling.

Virgin staff have undertaken specialist training to ensure they are fully informed about and able to assist passengers with hidden disabilities, such as autism or Asperger’s.

A specially designed symbol, which can be discretely tucked away in a passport or worn as a pin badge, signals to Virgin Atlantic crew that additional assistance may be required.

The scheme, which is available at no extra cost, can also extend to staff working with passengers before and after a flight in an effort to minimise the impact of what can be a stressful experience.

Staff can accompany passengers through the airport, arrange priority boarding and reserve seating where necessary.

Onboard, staff can also arrange in-flight entertainment for blind passengers, while some crew members have had sign language training to assist deaf travellers (although this must be pre-arranged).

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.”

Tom Morgan, sports ambassador for the National Autistic Society and star of the Channel 4 show The Undateables, travelled under the scheme.

“Geraldine and her team go above and beyond to ensure that your flight experience is tailored to your specific needs,” he said.

“For instance, I asked if I could be sat at the back of the plane so that if I was to experience ticks on the flight, I wouldn’t disturb the passenger behind me. Virgin Atlantic easily accommodated my request, which made me much less nervous about the flying process.”

While not instantly recognisable, hidden disabilities can significantly affect a person’s life. Some 22 per cent of the UK population have a disability, with over half of those stating that their disability is a hidden one.

Airlines have come under fire in the past for not being trained in helping those with hidden disabilities. In January 2018, The Independent reported that a disabled passenger had branded Stansted Airport staff “disgusting” after she was denied assistance because she “didn’t look disabled”.

Nathalie Allport-Grantham, 23, was flying to Nice with Ryanair when a member of staff refused her the assistance she had confirmed ahead of her flight.

She told The Independent: “I told the lady on duty that I had booked special assistance and needed help with my bags and to get onto the aircraft.

“She looked at me and said, ‘If you want someone to carry your bags, you have to pay £50.’”