Jet 2 and people with disabilities - please read if you might be affected

[ChequerboardCharlie]

We’ve been booked for several months to go to Majorca with Jet2 holidays. I’ve never done a package before, but with Covid and airport drama this year I thought it would be a safer option.
As soon as I booked I notified them of our special assistance needs, gave detailed info for medical insurance and spoke to their team about accessibility issues. I spent hours finding a hotel that would work for my daughter’s disabilities. We were so excited - after 3 years with no holiday and a very stressful time shielding.

we leave in 2 days. Today they sent us a ‘fit to fly form’ saying we can’t travel without it being filled in by the GP. It’s 5 pages and very detailed. The GP can’t fill it in in one day- they need to see her.
I phoned Jet2 and they said they are short staffed and that’s why they only sent the form today. They have rebooked for October with no issue ( which suggests they know they are in the wrong), but we had to agree to a hotel there and then over the phone with no research- and it’s not as nice as the holiday we planned.
the worst of it is that they said this may happen again. We are not to submit a fit to fly form unless they request it, ( and it costs money for the GP to fill it in) but they can’t guarantee it won’t be sent so late again.

All they could suggest was contacting them 7 days in advance to ask them whether a Fit to fly form would be needed. So if anyone here is booked with Jet2, and someone in your party has disabilities, please do contact them a week before you fly to avoid the heartache we have today.

I know we are fortunate to be able to go in holiday at all, but it still feels very sad today. I don’t want other people to have to go through this.

That’s absolutely disgusting and I’d be making a complaint, surely that’s discrimination?

What absolute jerks! I always let airlines know ahead too as thanks to a drunk driver leaving me with permanent injuries, which restrict my mobility. Not once have I ever been asked to fill out a Fit To Fly form. Everyone has been so helpful both at the airport and on the plane. I am always given assistance. They should send out those letters as a priority in time. I am so sorry this has happened to you.

That is shocking treatment! I can't believe you've had to rebook your holiday. I think the customer service of a lot of companies is atrocious at the moment. Can you contact a disability group who could give you advice on where to go next with this?

The rules say they reserve the right to request one for complex medical reasons but surely 14 days should be the minimum amount of notice? I would consider taking this further as it's discriminatory to contact you so late knowing you couldn't get the form completed quick enough

That’s disgusting and surely discrimination.

I would be taking this further. This is their mistake not yours and a holiday in August is significantly more expensive than one in October but I’m guessing they haven’t offered you any money back?

We've just.flown with them , had assistance for my Dad and my DH from different airports. No issue or forms needed for either dad just elderly DH sight impaired and diabetic . Manchester Airport however were horrendous. Perhaps its the complexity of her needs. Not saying they are right BTW.

She does have complex needs but I notified this to them when we booked, via insurance and several conversations with special assistance - I’m happy to fill in the form and pleased that they are thorough, but 2 days notice is unacceptable.

This is a disgrace and you have been more than understanding. I would call them back and give them hell and throw the discrimination book at them.

Honestly as if being disabled is not hard enough in this world.

Sadly this does not surprise me. My DS broke a bone on holiday a fees ago. I called Jet2 to arrange assistance on the way back. I asked them if we needed a fit to fly certificate and they said no. When I got to the airport, Jet2 had not arranged anything and then insisted on a fit to fly. Sent us to a clinic that didn't supply them, had to go to another one who also didn't supply them without an appointment (unavailable on the day). Went back to the airport, went bananas at the staff who eventually let us on the plane with about a minute to spare. I have not flown with Jet2 since.