

3
Bristol Airport sometime get it right
Outbound Bristol Airport > Palma was only an issue on the ever-changing walk of approx 1000m on the route to Security. The departure lounge, 12 had no toilets inside the lounge and had one toilet working just before. The route from the lounge was good, as it was all flat up to the ramp (instead of stairs) to board the plane. The Airline had sat me at the front of the plane. TOM 6534. I needed a sit down in security, It was OK going to Majorca.
Arriving at Palma in Majorca, steps off the plane to a bus, I use my stick and managed the steps as history has seen me have to wait for the assistance, bus pick up, and I managed to get a seat on the bus. Unable to stand up due to knee problems. Security again had a 1500m Que and the walking round and round to get 50m.
I can't say much to reference the hotel 2 lifts broke down, and got one fixed with limited restrictions in Spanish. Good thing they have a freezing pool, and it helped take the swelling down on my knees.
On the inbound / way back, Palma Airport had good lifts, resting seats available and a sky bridge to access the plane.
Bristol was another issue, on landing again a ramp appeared at the front of the plane. I presumed it was going to be the same as departure, I was so wrong. The ramp was 9" lower than the plane door and the access to
arrivals building was via 6/7 steps. Although it was alongside another entrance that had a ramp to access the same building. Then it was two lifts to get to Security, I did mange this but not that easy when you have been sitting on a plane for over 2.5hrs and knees are stiff. I prefer to do self-help, but maybe I should have waited for Assist to come and collect. Bristol Airport could have saved lots of resources if some minor changes or attention to detail was carried out by ground staff?
I have L4 Arthritis in both knees awaiting NHS Knee full or partial when consultants stop arguing on which waiting list since 2017.
Outbound Bristol Airport > Palma was only an issue on the ever-changing walk of approx 1000m on the route to Security. The departure lounge, 12 had no toilets inside the lounge and had one toilet working just before. The route from the lounge was good, as it was all flat up to the ramp (instead of stairs) to board the plane. The Airline had sat me at the front of the plane. TOM 6534. I needed a sit down in security, It was OK going to Majorca.
Arriving at Palma in Majorca, steps off the plane to a bus, I use my stick and managed the steps as history has seen me have to wait for the assistance, bus pick up, and I managed to get a seat on the bus. Unable to stand up due to knee problems. Security again had a 1500m Que and the walking round and round to get 50m.
I can't say much to reference the hotel 2 lifts broke down, and got one fixed with limited restrictions in Spanish. Good thing they have a freezing pool, and it helped take the swelling down on my knees.
On the inbound / way back, Palma Airport had good lifts, resting seats available and a sky bridge to access the plane.
Bristol was another issue, on landing again a ramp appeared at the front of the plane. I presumed it was going to be the same as departure, I was so wrong. The ramp was 9" lower than the plane door and the access to
arrivals building was via 6/7 steps. Although it was alongside another entrance that had a ramp to access the same building. Then it was two lifts to get to Security, I did mange this but not that easy when you have been sitting on a plane for over 2.5hrs and knees are stiff. I prefer to do self-help, but maybe I should have waited for Assist to come and collect. Bristol Airport could have saved lots of resources if some minor changes or attention to detail was carried out by ground staff?
I have L4 Arthritis in both knees awaiting NHS Knee full or partial when consultants stop arguing on which waiting list since 2017.


2
A functional Changing Places toilet - if you can get in.
This review is specific to the Changing Places facility at the airport and does not reflect my impression of the airport as a whole.
I usually use this section to give a quick overview of the facility before diving into the details of my experience. But I feel this one needs a different approach.
We can probably all agree that accessible toilets — especially Changing Places toilets — are a good thing. They’re designed to support a wide range of needs, yet they’re still rare in a world full of accessibility challenges. But they’re only useful if you can actually get into them.
When I located the Changing Places toilet land-side near the arrivals area, the first thing I noticed was a keypad above the lock, requiring a number code. Next to it, a sticker read: “To use this facility, please attend the special assistance desk or call 01275 473402.”
There was no signage to show where the special assistance desk was, so I called the number.
I explained that I was looking to access the Changing Places toilet. The person on the other end asked why I needed it. I explained that I need the extra space. He asked me to hold, then returned to say he couldn’t give me the code. When I asked why, he told me that there was medication stored inside, so I couldn’t go in without someone accompanying me.
I pushed back — politely but firmly — and explained that Changing Places toilets aren’t just for people who have someone with them. I’m a disabled person, and I wanted to use the facility.
Eventually, he agreed and said someone would come down. It took ten minutes, but when they arrived, they were polite and opened the door without any fuss.
I nipped in, used the loo and took some photos for this review.
Before I left, I asked if I could share some feedback, and they were receptive. At one point, they mentioned that nobody had asked to use the toilet in two years. I explained that I wasn’t surprised. Having to find or phone a member of staff is an extra barrier, especially when it assumes that a disabled person — or their PA, family member or carer — can manage that process without difficulty.
They kindly listened, and I appreciated that. But the truth is: Changing Places toilets are only helpful when they’re accessible. And putting up unnecessary barriers in the way makes them anything but.
This review is specific to the Changing Places facility at the airport and does not reflect my impression of the airport as a whole.
I usually use this section to give a quick overview of the facility before diving into the details of my experience. But I feel this one needs a different approach.
We can probably all agree that accessible toilets — especially Changing Places toilets — are a good thing. They’re designed to support a wide range of needs, yet they’re still rare in a world full of accessibility challenges. But they’re only useful if you can actually get into them.
When I located the Changing Places toilet land-side near the arrivals area, the first thing I noticed was a keypad above the lock, requiring a number code. Next to it, a sticker read: “To use this facility, please attend the special assistance desk or call 01275 473402.”
There was no signage to show where the special assistance desk was, so I called the number.
I explained that I was looking to access the Changing Places toilet. The person on the other end asked why I needed it. I explained that I need the extra space. He asked me to hold, then returned to say he couldn’t give me the code. When I asked why, he told me that there was medication stored inside, so I couldn’t go in without someone accompanying me.
I pushed back — politely but firmly — and explained that Changing Places toilets aren’t just for people who have someone with them. I’m a disabled person, and I wanted to use the facility.
Eventually, he agreed and said someone would come down. It took ten minutes, but when they arrived, they were polite and opened the door without any fuss.
I nipped in, used the loo and took some photos for this review.
Before I left, I asked if I could share some feedback, and they were receptive. At one point, they mentioned that nobody had asked to use the toilet in two years. I explained that I wasn’t surprised. Having to find or phone a member of staff is an extra barrier, especially when it assumes that a disabled person — or their PA, family member or carer — can manage that process without difficulty.
They kindly listened, and I appreciated that. But the truth is: Changing Places toilets are only helpful when they’re accessible. And putting up unnecessary barriers in the way makes them anything but.


2.5
Ambu-Lift needs deep clean!
Flew out using Special Assistance at Bristol Airport on 12/5/24. The desk is just inside main departure entrance to your left. Very helpful & jolly chap on desk, seating & wheelchairs available, but I took my own manual chair for 1st time, no problems. Young lady who assisted me (?Niamh?) was lovely, chatty & friendly, saw me through to special assistance seating area. Chirpy people on Ambu-Lift too, but come on OCS, at least deep clean it or replace it! It's rusty, dirty, ripped seating, dirty windows etc the list goes on! Can't fault service or staff (but more required!), but equipment, yucky!
Flew out using Special Assistance at Bristol Airport on 12/5/24. The desk is just inside main departure entrance to your left. Very helpful & jolly chap on desk, seating & wheelchairs available, but I took my own manual chair for 1st time, no problems. Young lady who assisted me (?Niamh?) was lovely, chatty & friendly, saw me through to special assistance seating area. Chirpy people on Ambu-Lift too, but come on OCS, at least deep clean it or replace it! It's rusty, dirty, ripped seating, dirty windows etc the list goes on! Can't fault service or staff (but more required!), but equipment, yucky!