Several Thai people with disabilities stepped forward to lodge complaints with the Ministry of Transport, accusing Thai VietJet Air of refusing to accommodate them. The airline responded to the accusations today, February 29, stating that it denied service to certain disabled passengers as a precautionary safety measure.

 

The president of the Association for the Empowerment of Disabled Women (AEDW), Saowaluck Thongkuay, submitted a complaint to Parliament President Wan Muhamad Nor Matha. Saowaluck asserted that Thai VietJet violated the rights of people with disabilities by refusing to serve them.

 

Saowaluck claimed that a victim was denied boarding the plane at the gate without any prior announcement or clarification from the airline that they did not welcome disabled people.

 

Another Thai man, suffering from visual impairment, recounted his encounter, stating that Thai VietJet Air declined to provide him with service. According to the airline, he was informed that the quota for visually impaired passengers had already been filled. The man argued that the airline should have made provisions for him, given that he had booked his flight well in advance and had notified the airline of his blindness.

 

Despite this, the airline remained unresponsive, and there were no updates from Parliament. Consequently, a group of disabled individuals took further action yesterday, February 28, by staging a protest outside the Ministry of Transport, gathering in their wheelchairs to voice their grievances.

 

The Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Sorawut Nueangjamnong, talked to the protestors and assured them that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) would summon a representative from VietJet to clarify the matter within seven days. Sorawut warned that the airline’s operation licence could be revoked if it ignored the situation.

 

Safety measures

 

In response to the pressure, Thai VietJet issued an official statement today, February 29, denying they banned disabled passengers.

 

Thai VietJet stated that the airline has been welcoming and providing service to passengers with all disabilities. According to the airline, it served 5,300 old passengers and others with health issues, mobility impairment, and other disabilities last year.

 

The airline outlined its rules, stating that passengers with disabilities must inform the airline 48 hours before the flight schedule and must be accompanied by an escort capable of assisting in an emergency.

 

The airline then clarified the document’s main incident that sparked public controversy. It clarified that a disabled passenger arrived at the check-in counter accompanied by four other passengers. However, none of the four passengers agreed to act as an escort for the disabled individual.

 

Thai VietJet explained that, in accordance with airline regulations and safety protocols, it was unable to permit the disabled passenger to board under these circumstances. The airline affirmed that it had promptly refunded the travel expenses to the disabled passenger following the refusal.

 

Thai VietJet emphasised that it welcomed passengers of all groups and nationalities without discrimination. The airline’s representative would later meet the authorities from the Transport Ministry to provide further details.

 

By Petch Petpailin

Caption: Photo by Alec Wilson via Flickr

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-29

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

So the physically impaired must have a "buddy" passenger? Nope, that aint gonna wash.

 

5 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thai VietJet emphasised that it welcomed passengers of all groups and nationalities without discrimination. The airline’s representative would later meet the authorities from the Transport Ministry to provide further details

 

Where they will get their arses handed to them and told to invest in having adequatly trained gate staff and cabin crew.

Disgusting.

Hard to believe they claim nobody of the 4 people he came with, were willing to be his escort, makes zero sense. I think 1 out of 10 Thais randomly asked, would be willing to do so.

Seems the airline are very open, on their website, about the policies and limits for those that need “special assistance”, but that does not make things right and is not exactly good PR.

 

https://th.vietjetair.com/page/special-assistance

 

Airline's message to the public:

'Our cabin crew has no responsibility to assure the safety of their passengers in flight. In case of emergency it's every person for themselves.'

Such a welcoming policy.

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Sorawut Nueangjamnong, talked to the protestors and assured them that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) would summon a representative from VietJet to clarify the matter within seven days. Sorawut warned that the airline’s operation licence could be revoked if it ignored the situation.

 

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The airline outlined its rules, stating that passengers with disabilities must inform the airline 48 hours before the flight schedule and must be accompanied by an escort capable of assisting in an emergency.

 

The airline then clarified the document’s main incident that sparked public controversy. It clarified that a disabled passenger arrived at the check-in counter accompanied by four other passengers. However, none of the four passengers agreed to act as an escort for the disabled individual

VietJet has strict safety rules and adheres to them..
If no-one will agree to be an escort then that's the passengers choice, and they cannot fly.

1 hour ago, Srikcir said:

Airline's message to the public:

'Our cabin crew has no responsibility to assure the safety of their passengers in flight. In case of emergency it's every person for themselves.'

Such a welcoming policy.

Incredulous......

Someone, somewhere, needs a knock on the head.

2 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Airline's message to the public:

'Our cabin crew has no responsibility to assure the safety of their passengers in flight. In case of emergency it's every person for themselves.'

Such a welcoming policy.

 

Pretty amazing in this day and age.

7 hours ago, ChaiyaTH said:

Hard to believe they claim nobody of the 4 people he came with, were willing to be his escort, makes zero sense. I think 1 out of 10 Thais randomly asked, would be willing to do so.

Yes, it would appear the 4 people that came with him were there to be witnesses.

Another airline added to my No-fly list; along with Finnair.

Most airlines have guidance and policies for passengers who need special assistance, this is not unique to Thai VietJet.

 

The UK CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) states the following guidance.

 

“Airline staff are not expected to assist passengers with activities such as eating, drinking, taking medication or using the toilet facilities. If you require assistance of this kind you may need to travel with a carer.”

 

One example is Air France, who tell passengers with disabilities to check if they can fly on their own.

 

“For your safety, please check to see if you need to travel with a companion and if you need medical clearance.”

 

https://wwws.airfrance.co.th/information/passagers/acheter-billet-avion-pmr-autres-handicaps/pmr-accompagnateur

 

 

well add xenophobia, double pricing, pm 2.5, ...

In the World that most civilized people now live in, this kind of discrimination is nothing short of a disgrace.

Note to self

Never Fly Thai Viet Jet Airlines reason - they fail to meet modern ethical practices and standards

 

A lot of virtue-signaling here. 

We're talking about the safety of a plane load of people in case of an accident and quick evacuation is required.

Any one objecting that airlines, for example, will not seat a handicapped person by an emergency exit? 

.

I applaud VietJet Air for sticking to the common sense ICAO air safety regulations. 

Anyway, these safety regulations apply to ALL airlines.

 

11 hours ago, still kicking said:

Disgusting.

 

as a matter of principle - everyone should boycott this airline and put them out of business 

53 minutes ago, jayceenik said:

Any one objecting that airlines, for example, will not seat a handicapped person by an emergency exit? 

 

lots of seats not at an exit

Very bad PR. 

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

According to the airline, it served 5,300 old passengers and others with health issues.........

 

From the Stone Age???

Another report from The Thaiger!

This is a scam to force disabled passengers to pay for another person to fly with them giving double the profit for the airline. I'm disabled and regularly fly with other airlines. I use crutches and have wheelchair assistance through all airports. I have never been refused access and I always travel alone. I call the airline before I fly to inform them that I need a wheelchair. The airline was informed of the persons disability before he attended so the airline should be made responsible and pay punitive damages to the disabled person , not just a refund.

I think all it takes is a phone call or email 48 hours prior to boarding for confirmation on disability assistance.

 

VietJet obviously puts passengers safety as their number one priority. 

As indicated on their website, all information and requirements for those flying with a disability.

https://th.vietjetair.com/page/special-assistance

 

It's pleasing to know that this airline is strict on safety regulations in accordance with ICAO air safety regulations.

 

If someone disagrees with their policy on safety,  then look elsewhere. 

 

I have always found VietJet to be a good airline with courteous cabin crew,   and obviously high safety standards.

Another airline I have added to my list of "NEVER AGAIN" which includes:-

Qantas

Jetstar

BA

Garuda and all Indonesian.

Tiger

and others.

 

23 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thai people with disabilities stepped forward to lodge complaints with the Ministry of Transport, accusing Thai VietJet Air of refusing to accommodate them.

 

I appreciate this article refers to Thai Viet Jet, however I recently made a return flight between Siem Reap and Chiang Mai with Thai Air Asia "Fly-Thru".

Being 80 with mobility problems, when booking my ticket on-line, I ticked the "unable to walk long distance" box so that a wheelchair would be provided at SAI, DMK and CNX. This was the case and an excellent free service with no hassle from the airline. This also included the use of the chair lift at DMK to descend to the ground floor departure gates and assistance to board the bus and aircraft by Ground Staff. The wheelchair lads and lasses did receive a tip from me for their caring service. Having flown Viet Jet within Vietnam, I am convinced the airline would do its best to accomodate disabled passengers - more to this story??

2 hours ago, steven100 said:

I think all it takes is a phone call or email 48 hours prior to boarding for confirmation on disability assistance.

 

VietJet obviously puts passengers safety as their number one priority. 

As indicated on their website, all information and requirements for those flying with a disability.

https://th.vietjetair.com/page/special-assistance

 

It's pleasing to know that this airline is strict on safety regulations in accordance with ICAO air safety regulations.

 

If someone disagrees with their policy on safety,  then look elsewhere. 

 

I have always found VietJet to be a good airline with courteous cabin crew,   and obviously high safety standards.

The passenger in question did inform them according to their protocols he was not informed that he must have a companion. . He was refused at the gate being blind is not an issue on aircraft. I am disabled and have flown on other airlines the principle is disabled people are first on, last off and last off in an emergency. It is a risk we are willing to take. Staff do not have to mollycoddle us. Able bodied passengers take priority in an emergency

On 2/29/2024 at 7:15 PM, snoop1130 said:

Another Thai man, suffering from visual impairment, recounted his encounter, stating that Thai VietJet Air declined to provide him with service. According to the airline, he was informed that the quota for visually impaired passengers had already been filled.

 

In conclusion, 8 unaccompanied visually impaired passengers where already on board. That's the airlines stated limit. 

 

15 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

https://th.vietjetair.com/page/special-assistance

 

 

3 hours ago, bdenner said:

Another airline I have added to my list of "NEVER AGAIN" which includes:-

Qantas

Jetstar

BA

Garuda and all Indonesian.

Tiger

and others.

 

 

crickey blue  !    you'll be walking soon ...  😂

15 hours ago, jacko45k said:

16 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Airline's message to the public:

'Our cabin crew has no responsibility to assure the safety of their passengers in flight. In case of emergency it's every person for themselves.'

Such a welcoming policy.

Incredulous......

Someone, somewhere, needs a knock on the head.

Yes, Srikcir does need that knock as he made up all that cobblers.

14 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

16 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Airline's message to the public:

'Our cabin crew has no responsibility to assure the safety of their passengers in flight. In case of emergency it's every person for themselves.'

Such a welcoming policy.

 

Pretty amazing in this day and age.

It's also b0llocks, the airline has never stated that.

10 hours ago, Cake Monster said:

this kind of discrimination is nothing short of a disgrace.

What "discrimination"?  The disabled are not banned or charged extra. Very reasonably, they just have to be able to take care of themselves or be accompanied by someone who can.

9 hours ago, smedly said:

as a matter of principle - everyone should boycott this airline and put them out of business 

Why?  What have they done to deserve that?