Citation

Hunter KM, Layton RD. Transp. Res. Rec. 1986; 1098: 29-38.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Current federal legislation prohibits discrimination in transportation opportunities on the basis of age or handicap. The elderly and the handicapped are an increasing proportion of the air travel market. Many air terminals are not designed to accommodate the special needs of these people. This severely limits their transportation opportunities. Airport terminals provide a service to a dynamic activity that flows from trip origin to the airplane. Most airports are designed and built according to local building codes that are for structures that house activities rather than accommodate movement. Consequently, most air terminals are not completely accessible, and many have significant hazards and barriers for elderly or handicapped passengers. The factors that influence airport accessibility for elderly and handicapped persons require a systematic study approach. The characteristics, barriers, and hazards of air terminal components are individually evaluated. The joint interactions and compounding effects of characteristics, policies, barriers, and hazards are also studied. Architectural features and available terminal services limit accessibility for various subgroups of the elderly and the handicapped depending on their disability. The study concludes that when viewed in total there are many inconsistencies among the policies, services, and facilities that various air carriers and airports provide the elderly and the handicapped. The design features and architectural barriers built into many airport terminals present major hazards that affect the safety and health of these passengers.

Language: en

Keywords

AIRPORTS; AIR TRANSPORTATION - Planning; RISK STUDIES - Health Risks