Ella goes undercover to support Sophie Morgan’s Fight to Fly
A landmark new documentary exposes airlines' mistreatment of wheelchair users and lands powerful blows in the fight for accessibility
The degrading treatment of disabled people on flights it shows is shocking. But with Sophie Morgan’s Fight to Fly, perhaps the most sickening punch to the gut is the realisation of how common this shamefully dehumanising experience is for disabled travellers.
Whizz Kidz Ambassador and TV presenter Sophie lays it all bare in this powerful documentary, which burns with her determination to change things for the better. We’re proud to say she’s supported by Ella, Chair of our Kidz Board, who undertakes some of the courageous undercover reporting that the programme uses to shine a light on the unacceptable practices of the air industry.
After years of being poorly treated, travel presenter Sophie’s wheelchair being broken by airline staff a year ago saw her launch the Rights on Flights campaign. It aims to put airlines under pressure to treat disabled passengers with more respect and expertise while calling for a solution that’s shown to be tantalisingly simple in the film - a foldable seat that enables wheelchair users to stay in their wheelchairs on the plane safely locked in, as on a train.
...they treat disabled people, particularly wheelchair users, like cargo. It enrages me while also making me feel very vulnerable...
Ella, Chair of Kidz Board
It contrasts with many of the other more visceral scenes that prove it’s well named, this documentary. This is a fight to fly. From female wheelchair users manhandled inexpertly by airport staff to a man stranded lying across plane seats because the promised hoist doesn’t turn up, there are constant body blows to any sense of people being treated with empathy. Ella says of her experience on the widely seen trailer, “It made me feel like a piece of cargo rather than a person.”
We spoke to Ella after the documentary dropped on Channel 4 last night (Monday, 22 July) to learn more about her vital role in bringing this situation to light.
Ella, Chair of Kidz Board, with her much loved assistance dog, Moose
Why did you want to be involved?
I wanted to be involved because it is such an important issue that I think is vital to increase awareness around. Having been invited to the Rights on Flights launch at Parliament, I knew how much this documentary could improve the campaign's profile.
How did you find it filming undercover?
Undercover filming was quite daunting at times, It could be tricky to ensure you didn't get people in the background who weren't part of the documentary and also needing to push my chair and film! But we did have the director on our trip, which meant they could also do some filming.
Was there lots of planning?
Yes, there was lots of planning involved to ensure things went as smoothly as possible. But as you saw, that doesn't always help!
How does the airline’s treatment of you and other disabled people make you feel?
As I said in the documentary, they treat disabled people, particularly wheelchair users, like cargo. It enrages me while also making me feel very vulnerable. It’s not okay that we have to risk broken wheelchairs and injuries to ourselves just to fly like everyone else.
What has the reaction to the documentary been like so far?
The reaction has been fantastic! Many people are either horrified as they never knew just how bad it is for wheelchair users, or they are sadly too aware of the situation. The awareness and response have been huge. I think it really shows people just how bad it is. The documentary has also highlighted how bad the situation in Paris was, which is obviously a big topic given the Paralympics coming up in the city as well, which has, I think, opened people's minds to how on earth that could work.
What advice would you give to young wheelchair users who want to fly?
Despite everything you see, don't be put off!! It’s not easy, and things often do go wrong, but be as prepared as you can be, know the laws and policies in depth, advocate for yourself, or make sure you take someone who can on your behalf because despite all of the challenges it is usually worth it. And remember, we deserve to travel just like everyone else. The first time I flew a few years ago in my wheelchair, they nearly broke my ankle, but the holiday I went on was totally worth it in my books
What needs to happen next?
The Assisted Air Travel Act would be the next step for our government to help push that forward. Airlines and airport staff need to receive regular disability awareness training. We need greater consequences when they break our wheelchairs because the person who always suffers the biggest consequence is the wheelchair user.
In the documentary, Sophie takes a zero gravity parabolic flight to experience weightlessness with her wheelchair.
Sophie Morgan’s Fight to Fly is available on Channel 4.