5 SPORTS TRAVEL ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES (AND HOW TO SOLVE THEM)
How to ensure your trips are smooth as possibleFOR ATHLETES WITH A DISABILITY, TRAVEL COMES WITH AN EXTRA LAYER OF COMPLEXITY.
Accessibility in the worlds of sport and travel is far more than just a logistical necessity – it’s a fundamental part of breaking down the barriers that make everyday life difficult for those with mobility or mental health issues.
When travel is designed to accommodate every body and mind – whether that be through providing suitable transportation, booking accessible accommodation, or building itineraries that are sensitive to individual needs – sport becomes an even bigger celebration of human potential, unbound by limitations.
In this article, we take a look at 5 of the most common issues surrounding accessibility in sports travel and give our top tips to help you solve them.
1
MANY TRANPORTATION OPTIONS ARE INACESSIBLE
PROBLEM
Many transport systems are not designed with inclusivity in mind. Athletes who use wheelchairs, prosthetics, or other assistive devices often encounter vehicles without ramps or lifts, narrow aisles, poorly trained staff, or a lack of storage for equipment.
SOLUTION
Let your TMC know your mobility needs in advance of your trip. Be as specific as you can, e.g., do you need a ramp-equipped van or an aisle seat on a plane? Meet-and-assist services might also be available at certain airports to assist with booking and boarding. Work closely with your travel provider to write up a full itinerary & contingency plan, too. This could include transport confirmation documents or ID.
2
ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION IS HARD TO FIND
PROBLEM
Finding genuinely accessible hotel rooms can feel like navigating a minefield—especially when travelling as part of a sports team where multiple athletes may have diverse accessibility needs. Issues can include narrow doorways, inaccessible bathrooms, or a lack of space for adaptive equipment.
SOLUTION
Accessible rooms are often limited and in high demand, so ensure that your TMC know what you require well ahead of time so that they can reserve early. Be explicit with what you need. Ask for features like roll-in showers, bathroom grab bars, lowered counters, or visual fire alarms for deaf athletes. At Gray Dawes Sports, our strong relationships with inclusive hotels allow us to help you save on costs, too.
3
ACCESSIBILITY EQUIPMENT IS DIFFICULT TO TRANSPORT
PROBLEM
When athletes travel, they don’t just bring sports gear – they often travel with essential medical equipment like wheelchairs, prosthetics, mobility aids, respiratory devices, or medications. These items aren’t optional; they’re vital. Unfortunately, not everyone is equipped to properly handle or accommodate this equipment.
SOLUTION
Write a comprehensive list of everything that your sports team will be travelling with. This includes medication (especially those that require cold storage such as insulin), any prosthetics, or specialist sporting equipment. A TMC will notify airlines in advance of travel (at least 48-72 hours before) of any equipment that needs to be carried on board. You may even need to acquire a doctor’s letter in certain circumstances.
MEET OUR ACCESSIBLE SPORTS TRAVEL EXPERTS…
At Gray Dawes Sports, we understand how important it is to ensure our clients receive sensitive and flexible solutions to suit the needs of their disabled sportspeople. Learn more about our team of sports travel experts and find out how they can help you build an accessible sports travel programme that works.
4
THERE IS A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING ABOUT WHAT ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL IS
PROBLEM
Not everyone knows how accessibility in sports travel works. Your staff may not know how to properly manage accessibility equipment while on the move or delay important decisions for fear of “doing something wrong”.
SOLUTION
Educate staff about the obstacles that people with mobility or mental health issues face while travelling and equip them with the necessary skills to navigate them effectively. This can include training around inclusive language, tips to handling equipment, and communication strategies for sensory or cognitive disabilities. Be inclusive with your approach: involve disabled athletes in designing training and providing feedback on staff interactions.
5
IT’S DIFFICULT TO NEGOTIATE UNEXPECTED TRAVEL CHANGES
PROBLEM
Even when everything has been planned to the letter, unexpected obstacles—like a damaged wheelchair, an inaccessible hotel room, or untrained staff—can emerge without warning. In these moments, having fast, informed support is critical. After all, a single oversight can derail an athlete’s performance or wellbeing.
SOLUTION
Partnering with an experienced TMC can be a game-changer. At Gray Dawes Sports, our ‘Always On’ service model means that we are there for our sports travellers and travel bookers, wherever and whenever they are in the world. Whether it’s rebooking a hotel last-minute, arranging emergency transport, or liaising with an airline over damaged equipment, immediate access to travel experts who understand the athlete’s specific needs is vital.
IN CONCLUSION
Addressing accessibility challenges in sports travel is essential for creating a more inclusive environment. Barriers such as inadequate transportation, limited accessible accommodations, and lack of a solid travel schedule can prevent athletes with disabilities from reaching their full potential. By identifying these issues and taking active steps to resolve them, those travelling to tournaments or training camps will have a far more positive experience.
Ultimately, prioritising accessibility isn’t just a matter of logistics – it’s a commitment to equity, dignity, and the celebration of diversity within the world of sports travel.
CALL US
+44 (0) 1134 689 240
EMAIL US
sports@gdg.travel
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Millshaw
Leeds
LS11 8EG
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