Disabled passengers short-changed, says research

Disabled air passengers are being offered an inconsistent level of service, according to new research by Cheapflights.

The price comparison site found that some airlines charge for amenities that others provide free. Bmi, Monarch and Ryanair, for example, impose a �100 for supplementary oxygen, which is provided at no extra charge by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Thomsonfly.

The research found that at the UK's seven largest airports, the availability of personal assistance points and induction loops was sporadic and there were various different policies for disabled parking.

"The past 12 months has, if anything, seen an upsurge in the number of complaints our community members are voicing about special assistance services, with most problems completely avoidable," said Cheapflights global sales director Francesca Escery.