Daughter now needs escort to fly

SOUTH African Civil Aviation has brought out a new rule whereby "mentally challenged" people may no longer fly on airlines alone. They have to be accompanied by a companion, such as a family member.

This is a blanket ban, with no cognisance taken as to the severity of the mental condition.

I have a 38-year-old Down syndrome daughter who communicates, is independent and self-sufficient in looking after herself. She understands all commands given by cabin crew.

She has always travelled as an "unaccompanied minor". With the new rule I need to purchase a return ticket from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town for myself to go to fetch her.

Naturally I need to purchase a ticket for her as well. I then need to purchase a further return ticket for myself to take her back to Cape Town.

I therefore now have to purchase three return tickets, where before I purchased one.

With her mental capacity she is no different to a "normal" six-, seven- or eight-year-old child travelling as an "unaccompanied minor". Nor is she any different to an elderly passenger.

Surely this is a form of discrimination? I can understand if the "mentally challenged" person had a history of violence or could not communicate, but a blanket ban makes no sense.

Why not get a certificate from a doctor to state clearly the passenger's condition?

Does anyone know if there is an ombudsman for the airline industry?

Keith Wakelin, Port Elizabeth