On-board lived experience of manual wheelchair users: Aircraft seat satisfaction level and potential solutions to improve comfort and accessibility
Résumé
This study investigates the satisfaction level of manual wheelchair users with regard to aircraft seat. It also examines their
perceptions about potential solutions that could be proposed to improve accessibility, comfort and seated stability. Data were
gathered from a sample of 31 manual wheelchair users. Participants were asked to fill a questionnaire that was composed of
three key domains: (1) flight characteristics, (2) satisfaction related to accessibility, comfort and seated stability on aircraft seat
and (3) perception of aircraft seat solutions. On section 1, results show that the majority of participants used economy class. In
addition, among three seat locations within the aircraft, the majority of manual wheelchair users mentioned that the window seat
was their favorite place. However, even if the window seat is the favorite location, participants estimated that transferring to this
seat is challenging. On section 2, transfer on aircraft seat is problematic. Participants express the need to have a place in the
first seat row in order to facilitate their accessibility and comfort. Consumers will have more legroom and could stretch their leg
to avoid pressure sores. Also, seated stability is another parameter to take in to account for manual wheelchair users. Indeed,
certain participants have a lack of stability due to an alteration of their abdominal and lumbar muscle. Their stability is being
tested during several step of the flight as takeoff, landing and turbulence. On section 3, participants would appreciate additional
adaptations on armrest and seat that would improve their comfort, accessibility or even the seated stability.