Disabled journo calls out airports after being treated like “carry-on”
Australian journalist and speaker Tracey Spicer has called out Aussie airports for treating disabled people as “an unnecessary addition to the travel landscape” after getting stuck on the sidewalk in her wheelchair at Sydney Airport.
Spicer, who lives with long COVID, wrote an article in Traveller outlining her fight to access the terminal after being promised a ‘push’ by Virgin Australia.
“Yet here I sit, like a piece of carry-on by the side of the road,” Spicer wrote.
According to Spicer, who uses a portable wheelchair, her driver refused to assist her with her wheelchair and luggage despite a guarantee from his manager. The driver told Spicer that he risked getting a fine if he left his vehicle.
Spicer said that she began panicking at this point and tried to contact Virgin.
She managed to calm herself, turned to the driver and said: “Well, you’re going to have to drive around all day with me, because I’m not budging.”
Ten minutes later, the driver relented and wheeled her inside.
Spicer said that a Virgin staffer was compassionate and told her that staff could not have assisted her as they are not meant to leave the terminal due to safety concerns.
“I’d like to help other people with disabilities to navigate this system,” Spiker said, “What should people do to get help?”
The Virgin staffer said that a staff member will usually come out to assist the person, despite regulations, which Spicer describes as a “ridiculous system.”
At the time of her ordeal, Spicer went to Twitter to share her story and ask for advice.
Hello friends who fly with portable wheelchairs.
The driver of my hire car is refusing to wheel me inside the terminal.@VirginAustralia is refusing to come outside to wheel me inside, in order to put my wheelchair on the flight.
Any advice?
😱
— Tracey Spicer AM GAICD (@TraceySpicer) October 25, 2022
She was met with messages of disabled people recounting stories where they were abandoned at airports, missed flights and treated as nuisances.
The airline has since apologised, according to Spicer, but the manager of the car hire company was steadfast in his position.
“Drivers are not permitted to leave the car unattended and fine(s) will apply … the airline will help you extra if you need, and this is not our job to do,” the manager wrote in an email.
However, Sydney Airport confirmed that Virgin “may provide mobility assistance… subject to the availability of wheelchairs and staff on duty.”
On the Virgin website, it says “the guest must be accompanied by a companion who can notify Virgin Australia staff.”
Spicer also pointed out that taxis, rideshares or limo drivers with unaccompanied passengers are meant to stop in an accessible parking space outside the terminals. The driver is then meant to enter the terminal and alert a staff member or tell a member of the kerbside management team.
Plus, fines are not given to drivers who stop in accessible spaces to transfer passengers who need assistance.
A spokesperson from Sydney Airport said they will now, “work with our airline and ground transport partners to ensure everyone understands the process for helping independent travellers who require mobility assistance.”
Spicer concluded with a call for the Aussie travel industry to meet the standards of overseas airports.
“Frankly, this entire episode underlines the dismissal of people with disabilities as an after-thought,” she said.
“An unnecessary addition to the travel landscape. A blight on the stunning scenery. Fellow wheelchair users wax lyrical about ‘concierges’ at overseas airport, assisting anyone who has difficulty walking.
“Wake up Australia. Whatever happened to a fair go for all?”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
sydney airport Tracey Spiker virgin australiaLatest News
TTC’s hosting a masterclass series for Aussie agents unlocking the secrets of its five brands
TTC Tour Brands is hosting a Masterclass series this May and June to make it ‘easy-as’ for agents to unlock all the tips and tricks of selling across its five brands. Across weekly Wednesday sessions TTC Tour Brands is shining a spotlight on selling its brands and Groups. Each Masterclass will provide a 15–20-minute key insight session […]
Dorsett Melbourne appoints new director of sales Maggie Wong
This top female team at the Dorsett Melbourne aims to take the hotel to new heights - even the lucky eighth floor.
Western Sydney Tourism unveils fresh board ahead of ’26 airport opening
'Connect-Stay-Experience', that's the Western Sydney's tourism taskforce's motto. We sort of prefer 'West Is Best'!
From Olympians to mindset coaches, Helloworld’s OMC conference wraps in style
Say hello to a good time and make sure you're at 2025's edition!
Bunnik Tours welcomes KJ Phillips as the new BDM for QLD
We apologise in advance for winding Karen up as our State of Origin sledging begins to ramp up.
Drifter to usher in new age of affordable hybrid accommodation in Christchurch
Sort of like a hostel, but far, far ritzier!
Icebergs restaurateur Terzini joins Mangan at Sydney International Airport
Forget McDonald's or the sushi that's been there all day, dining at Sydney Airport just got a whole let better!
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge: A beacon of luxury in the Kruger
If the lead image wasn't enough to convince you this is next-level luxury, take a peep inside.
Delegates ready for Africa’s travel showcase Travel Indaba at Durban ICC
How's it? We've requested a bag full of biltong on our reporter's return from this shindig.
APT’s world-first hydraulic-powered restaurant and bar ‘will be the envy of river cruises’
It may have been laughed off at first mention in the APT offices, but now it's here, APT are on top of the game!
Administrators appointed in wake of Air Vanuatu collapse – but there is hope
Another one bites the dust. We hope you sang to the tune when reading that!
South Australian beach crowned best ‘hidden gem’ in the country
Stoked baby! Or was that a typo?
Avalon Airport champions low-cost rail connection from Melbourne CBD
Avalon rail connection? Bring it on! In two years, say officials, but we say they've got Buckley's.
2024 Green Revolution Summit brings travel heavyweights into green fuel discussion
It's almost like the organisers read our article on sustainable fuel this week.
Wendy Wu Tours first China mega-famil for 100 travel agents will be full of Wow!
China travel guru Wendy Wu should have no trouble ordering 100 dumplings for key travel agents on her mega famil.
Oaks Hotels & Resorts gets behind Netball’s Suncorp Super League
So Netball Australia draws its moral line somewhere between Gina Rinehart and Oaks Hotels & Resorts.
Tourism Australia appoints new regional general manager United Kingdom
Expat Aussie Andrew Boxall steps off a Flight Centre gig to plant the flag as UK Tourism Australia GM.
Chef Alessandro Pavoni unveils Cibaria at Manly Pacific MGallery Collection
Only problem is you'll get stuck on the Spit Bridge on the way back, after you finish your meal.
Hotel Review: Atlantis The Royal – Stunning in every sense
You can look but you can't touch. At least that's what it feels like when reading an article on this masterpiece.
Flight Centre’s Big Red Sale starts today
Flight Centre taking inspiration from Qantas' Red tail sale yesterday, someone's gotta change for the next round.
Aurora Expeditions announces savings for solo travellers
Save your money and travel and go solo, just don't spend it all buying friends at the bar.
Etihad and Tourism officials launch free Abu Dhabi Stopover
Etihad's giving you free hotel stays on your stopover while Qantas pays fines for ripping people off.
New MSC Australia boss talks hot topics for local cruisers, including the Caribbean
New MSC Australia boss, Antonio Paradiso, spills the Caribbeans on where he expects Aussie cruisers will go next.
Contiki’s latest campaign inspires travellers to engage with the world around them
Hands off! Influencers invited on holiday and told not to post anything. We can assure you they're back at it now.
Aussies a hit on the conference floor for IPW 2024
Diana Ross on opening night, Keanu's Dogstar band and a dozen lobster rolls. All in a week's work at IPW 2024.
Disney excited about prospects of cruise business as Disney Treasure nears completion
Disney's booming cruising business is set to knock Disneyland experiences out of the park.
Scoot’s first E190-E2 flights take off between Krabi and Hat Yai
When flying's a pitch. Airline lite Scoot offers a standard seat pitch of 29” on its new 112-seater.
Premium hotel operator ERDI launches it’s own academy in heart of Melbourne
ERDI expects to be shaken not stirred with the launch of its ERDI Academy in its Melbourne hotels.
Tropical North Queensland action-packed events calendar for adventure enthusiasts
Sporting enthusiasts and adventure seekers are gearing up for an action-packed year in Tropical North Queensland, with a lineup of sports events and adrenaline-pumping experiences set to take centre stage in 2024. Leading the charge is the highly-anticipated return of the Crankworx World Tour ‘Paradise Edition’ to Cairns from 22-26 May 2024. The mountain biking […]
Singapore Airlines Group first to receive SAF from Neste as AU/NZ play catchup
Singapore leaving many in their green dust. Here in Australia, we're hoping for a tortoise and the hare type outcome
Qantas Red Tail sale discounts more than 200,000 fares
Qantas marketers forever thankful to the team who chose the red and white colours. How else would they name a sale!
Bannisters by the Sea unveils retreat style package for new mothers
Three hours in the car with a newborn from Sydney might be tough, but trust us, it'll be worth it when you arrive.
Nothing Bonza can do to prevent loss of planes, ACCC concerned by latest aviation developments
Going, going, gone. It seems...
APT offers destination incentives to enjoy the Best of Asia
Whether its a cocktail by the beach or a hike through the mountains, APT has you covered. You'll find us at the beach!
Disney Days returns with Inside Out 2 showing in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland
Time is running out for agents to register their Expression of Interest to an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated Disney and Pixar film, Inside Out 2, hosted by Disney Destinations Australia/New Zealand team and partner United Airlines. Places are limited and applications must be in by 17 May. In addition to the screening of the […]
Get ready to roll the marketing dice with Susan Coghill: Travel DAZE EXEC 2024
It's heating up in Cairns and we're not talking about the weather! Get ready for a marketing masterclass with Susan.