The European Concept For Accessibility 2003

The criteria which should be applied to maritime and air transport are the same as those for buses and trains. Likewise, the adaptation of terminals is similar to that of stations, both in terms of information and accessibility, not forgetting that there are procedures which passengers have to carry out prior to boarding (checking-in luggage, getting information about the gate number and departure time, etc.).

The major difference between these transport modes and land-based ones concerns boarding or vehicle access:

• With aeroplanes, the use of "fingers" is always recommendable as they provide level access on foot and avoid the need to worry about weather conditions (rain, wind, temperature difference between inside and outside, etc.)

• With respect to boats, people with mobility problems should have the option of boarding from the loading/ unloading area, and proceeding from there by means of an accessible route to the main passenger area.