People with disabilities - International Airports

I recently had to leave the Philippines for twenty-four hours to meet visa requirements.  I took a trip to Singapore via Cebu Pacific Air.  All went well except boarding for the plane in Cebu back to Davao.

This particular flight and most flights from Cebu are not loaded from a direct ramp airport to airplane.  You must be carried by bus to the plane, climb stairs and then board plane.

What made it even worse this particular day April 3, 2017 it was pouring down rain.  Not only did I have a difficult time climbing the steps to the plane I had a difficult time walking to the bus.  Yes, I had assistance.  In fact it took three men to get me on the plane.

People generally are not in a wheelchair because they like being restricted to a chair or enjoy being pushed around.  There are generally medical reasons for being wheelchair bound.  My problem is not only my heart, but also my lungs.  I cannot walk five steps without gasping for breath.

There should be an International Law that any International Airport has to have some mechanical lift to load handicap people on board a plane.  I am sure there are some kind of portable devices that can be purchased for this purpose.  If not they certainly could be made.  I honestly think major domestic airports should be required to have them.

I always advise in advance when purchasing tickets that I will need wheelchair assistance.  Not only that my caregiver always travels with me.  Yes, the airports all provide a wheelchair from ticket agent to departing area, but if you cannot roll the chair on the plane it does not accomplish what your need.

Do you blame the airlines or the airport.  I am not sure, but whoever is the blame it should be corrected.  When I was finally on board I was so short of breath that the crew did not know if they would allow me to fly or not.  Thank God I was first on and the flight was full.  By the time the plane was loaded I could breath nearly normal again and got to stay on board.

Come on all you managers at airports and airlines have a heart!