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At the airport

Support services for blind or visually impaired people at airports on request include:

• someone to meet you and guide you through check-in, baggage check and customs controls
• someone to tell you personally when your plane is boarding if you are in a 'silent airport'
• someone to help you board the plane and stow any luggage

At a security search, always explain your impairment and ask airport security staff to repack bags in a specific order for you. You'll then know where essential items are located.

On the plane

The safety demonstration given by the cabin crew at the beginning of a flight should be available in other formats, such as Braille and audio. You should request this in advance if needed.

Cabin crew should:

• tell you more general information about the plane
• tell you about its services and facilities
• describe the layout of your food tray to you
• open any packaging that is awkward
• help you find your way to the toilet

Guide dogs and air travel

If you want to take your guide dog on the plane with you, always tell the airline about this in advance. The airline can ask the owner to produce proof that the dog has been trained by a recognised organisation. In the UK these organisations are members of Assistance Dogs UK.

You should also check the airline's policy on carrying guide dogs. Guide dogs should be allowed to travel free of charge, in the passenger cabin with you.

When travelling with a guide dog, you should always carry identification for yourself and the dog. You'll need a car safety harness suitable for securing the dog at take-off and landing and at any time that the airline requires it.

Pet Travel Scheme

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) could help you avoid long quarantine periods for your dog when you return to the UK from an international trip.

Not all airlines operate the scheme so it is best to check with them beforehand. Pets travelling on airlines under the scheme are normally carried in the hold of the plane. There is an exemption that allows guide dogs and other assistance dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners.

There is more information on the scheme in the travel and transport section of this website.

• Taking your pets abroad (travel and transport section)

Useful contacts

• Travel and holiday contacts for disabled people