A different experience
3
3
Date of visit: June 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Average
Last week I leaned that Disabled passengers at Bristol Airport have a very different experience to non-disabled passengers. My flight was at 16:40, so I made sure I was at the airport for 14:00 to check in at 14:40. I had already checked in but as I was flying with a wheelchair and power attachment, I had to go to the easyJet desk to repeat the specifics of my Triride and get my chair and device tagged. I then went to the assistance desk to ensure the ambulift was arranged. I went through the process as I normally do, explaining my Triride again and highlighted that I can take myself to the gate. I was told I wouldn’t be doing that, and that I need to go to the Special Assistance reception lounge. I queried this, as every airport I’ve been to in the UK (and I’ve been to a lot) allows me to do so. I was told, "You need to go there because you’re travelling alone." It was far too hot to have this discussion, so I followed the instruction. I made my way through security, which is never not stressful, and to the lounge. I checked in and explained the Triride AGAIN. I then asked about the situation regarding disabled folks. They explained that through the lounge is the only way to get us out to the plane, and they give you a time to return to the lounge. It was 15:10 by that point, and they asked me to return at half past! Twenty minutes to go to duty-free and get something to eat or drink like some airport version of Supermarket Sweep! There was no point in leaving. Oh, and nobody came for me until 16:00. This is not equitable. I expect to do things differently, but why are disabled folks denied the same experience as non-disabled people? The lounge feels like a holding area with only vending machines for food and drinks unless you order food to be delivered from a café within the airport. It has one accessible toilet as well – which is a poor show. If you need a Changing Places toilet, it’s on the opposite side of security, so staff would need to lead you all the way back out to arrivals. It's worth highlighting that there is a sensory room, which is definitely a good thing. Before boarding, I spoke to the easyJet staff, explaining my prior experiences at airports, how this approach means disabled folks have a very different journey, and how 20 minutes is no time at all – their solution? Check in an hour sooner. Putting aside the fact that bag drop, where I checked in to get my equipment tagged only opens 2 hours before for domestic flights, the airport isn’t a day out. Being there sooner to shop/eat/drink only to have to spend an hour in the holding pen is not enjoyable. The ambulift crew explained the area is closing soon to be moved to a better location, but as long as we’re being herded into one spot, we do not get the same airport experience as everyone else. Whilst I see the value of the sensory area and the lounge for those who would rather be away from the bustling crowd, choice is the real issue. I hope this new area provides the change that is much needed. As things stand, though, I would still prefer not to fly from Bristol.
Disabled Access In and Around
Accessible facilities: Seating at regular intervals, Step-free entrance, Lift to all areas
Parking & Transport
Good
I travelled to this place by bus
I've given this area a higher rating due to the nearby transport interchange, where travellers can find buses to Bath and Bristol, a drop-off and pick-up area, a multi-storey car park with 2,000 spaces and Blue Badge parking. I'll review the interchange separately.
Accessible Toilets
Average
Having just one accessible toilet is far from ideal for an area where so many disabled people are waiting.
Facilities: Accessible toilet
