Why can't friends travel on JetStar together?

20 Mar 2011 02:55p.m.

Dee wrote:

Wrong Bill Mac. Jetstar's ground handling is provided by Skycare. Please check facts. The issue of having no more than two is, as stated by others, to be able to evacuate the aircraft and passengers safely. Obviously evacuating folks in wheelchairs required additional time and assistance. There are 4 flight attendants per A320 aircraft.

10 Feb 2011 05:12p.m.

Lucy wrote:

I think you'll find there are similiar policies with how many infants are on the flight and also how many unaccompanied children. It is an issue for flight attendants in an emergency to safely evacuate the plane, these people would obviously need extra assistance in an emergency. Jetstar probably only provides the legal amount of flight attendants per flight. You'll find the traditional airlines have more flight attendants for extra service - that's why you pay more.

09 Feb 2011 02:58p.m.

Bill Mac wrote:

I understand the firm who do Jetstar`s ground handling are connected to Air National. They are the charter company presently suspended from flying by CAA.
There have been a few newsworthy items over the last few months connected to them.I wonder how long Jetstar can put up with the negative publicity.

09 Feb 2011 12:54p.m.

Kerri wrote:

As a group of friends really appreciate your support as we fight against this discriminatory policy. Thank you! Check out our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/JetStar-Change-Your-Policies/150084685048424

09 Feb 2011 12:23p.m.

Erin wrote:

It is easy to comment and say that it is a "waste of a publish" and that "it's simple JetStar give the cheap prices. They make the rules" but when you are actually affected by this, like I have been directly (I'm one of the eight people), there is a bit more to it than that. As someone else said, disabled passengers shouldn't have to pay more simply so that they can have their needs accommodated. We are not asking for special treatment of any kind and were even willing to go on two separate flights if we really had to (although I still think that's rubbish). All we are asking for is to travel together as a group of friends - a right that everyone should have and a right that JetStar is not giving us. It gets a bit old sometimes, having to compromise when, really, we shouldn't have to because no one else does. I can think of a number of situations - like when I tried to book tickets to a Rugby World Cup Game and they told me I was only allowed to take one person with me to the game, but alas, that's another issue I will be writing to someone about. Thanks Campbell Live for taking up this story and thanks for your support. Please do check out the Facebook Group, which has been posted in a previous comment: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JetStar-Change-Your-Policies/150084685048424

09 Feb 2011 12:00p.m.

Matt Whiting wrote:

When Jetstar flies to USA they have no restrictions on disabled customers because of the American Disabilities Act (ADA)

09 Feb 2011 10:08a.m.

Leigh Montford wrote:

Jetstar you need to wake up your ideas! You are still wet behind the ears when it comes to the way you treat us - people with impairments. Do you have anything in your policy that states the maximum no. of wheelchairs you can carry in your hold per flight? Your actions smack of discrimination!

09 Feb 2011 08:46a.m.

Davena wrote:

To Matt & Maurice: Unless you are disabled or have a family member with a disability it would be best not to comment. These are amazing intelligent people who deserve the same rights as anyone and wheelchairs are no different than children in buggy's!!! Are you going to tell a family who may have 3 kids in buggy's that they can't fly together (I don't think so). You go guys you are totally awesome and I will back you 100% and if ever Jetstar dared try that number on us with Marshall WATCH OUT!!!!

09 Feb 2011 08:31a.m.

Anna wrote:

In response to Matt's comment - I just wanted to point out that disabled people are also part of this 'public' you speak of! It's attitudes like Matt's which hinder years of hard work in inclusion for ALL groups in society (AKA 'the public'). Good on you Campbell Live for taking up the issue!

09 Feb 2011 01:55a.m.

Josh wrote:

My partner is in a wheelchair and we have flown to many a place throughout the world. I think that you will find that these airlines, not just jetstar are not actually discriminating against disabled people at all. I think its ignorance to say that they are. The lady said it takes 5 mins for her to get on the plane. That may be true for someone who can walk or transfer themselves. For those that cant it takes at leat a min of ten, and thats with someone strong and able to put them across onto their seat. If you have five people with that disability then thats way too much time. Businesses have to be run efficiently. Also I think you will find that Airlines cater to the needs of disabled people more than you know. They have someone escort them from the check in point, all the way to the plane. This person will carry their bags and push them, whatever is required.

Its difficult for me to transfer my partner into an aeroplane seat, and we are both small people. I cant imagine how anyone bigger than us would do it. Im not saying that fat people cant fly, but it would take longer for a bigger disabled person and a bigger carer to gte them on the plane. All of this is variable, and is fully justifiable for an airline to limit the amount of disabled people on a plane.

Added to this is the safety factor, if the plane crashed you have 5 disabled people who are stuck.

None of these airlines are saying that you cant fly because you have a diasablity, they have guidelines for it. Air new zealand probably would because they dont require such a fast turn around. But yeah, its ignorant to call this discrimination.