The Challenges of Accessible Travel. My Experience Flying to Sydney
Travel with a disability is hard work. Even with all the planning and preparation in the world, unexpected barriers can make what should be a simple trip feel like an exhausting marathon. My recent two night trip to Sydney was a perfect example of this.
When Plans Go Wrong
I booked a quick midweek trip to Sydney, flying with Jetstar. But things didn’t go as planned. On Wednesday, I arrived at Melbourne Airport, only to find out I couldn’t board my flight. The reason? Wind warnings.
Jetstar couldn’t operate the lift used for passengers with mobility needs because of the weather conditions. And without an aerobridge, there was no other way for me to board the plane. While safety must come first, the lack of infrastructure like aerobridges meant I was left with no options.
Scrambling for Alternatives
The Jetstar staff tried to rebook me onto Qantas or Virgin flights, but both were fully booked. With no other solutions available, I had to Uber back home and rebook for the next morning. This meant losing a night of accommodation and the extra time I’d intentionally planned for rest and recovery during the trip.
A Rushed, Exhausting Trip
By the time I finally arrived in Sydney on Thursday, I was already drained. My two night trip had turned into less than 24 hours. Between six Ubers and three mornings of 5am wake-up calls, the whole experience was exhausting. What should have been a quick getaway felt more like an endurance test.
A Tale of Two Airports
What struck me most during this experience was the stark difference between Melbourne and Sydney airports. Sydney Airport feels far more organised and accessible. With proper aerobridges and traditional check-in systems, everything just works more seamlessly for travellers with access needs.
Melbourne Airport, on the other hand, relies heavily on lifts for boarding at Terminal 4, which makes the process vulnerable to external factors like weather. Investing in aerobridges would eliminate this issue and make the travel experience so much more reliable for everyone, especially those of us with disabilities.
Why This Matters
Travel should be something to look forward to - not something to dread. For those of us with access needs, it often feels like a marathon of extra planning, logistics, and stress. Experiences like this are a reminder of how much work is still needed to make travel truly inclusive.
Moving Forward
This isn’t just about my experience. It’s about highlighting the barriers that many travellers with disabilities face every day.
“Accessibility isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity.”
Melbourne Airport and airlines like Jetstar need to do better. Investing in proper infrastructure like aerobridges would go a long way in creating a more inclusive travel experience.
Have you faced similar challenges while travelling? I’d love to hear your stories. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue advocating for accessible travel for all.
