The discount airline failed to make changes to its website after the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in the UK recommended a specific set of modifications in a report that was commissioned by BMI Baby.
RNIB initially voiced concern about BMI Baby’s website in 2010 after a number of customers complained about accessibility barriers on it. The airline then commissioned RNIB to carry out an accessibility audit of its website. RNIB produced a report with recommendations on improving the accessibility of the website. But the discount airline has not yet actioned any of the report’s recommendations.
According to a statement released by RNIB, Alexandra from Loughborough, UK, a former customer of BMI Baby, was unable to book a holiday through the website. Loughborough, who is legally blind, states that she had to book the holiday over the phone.
“I regularly need to book flights and had also wanted to book a surprise weekend away for my husband on one occasion, but was let down by the website. I didn't want to use the call centre as costs can mount up and I wanted the freedom to compare flights and prices before making a decision,” Loughborough said.
In the same statement RNIB said, "Despite receiving expert advice, recommendations and a full audit report from RNIB, BMI Baby is still to make any significant progress.
“RNIB has now served BMI Baby with legal proceedings as the website remains inaccessible to those using screen readers or those who cannot use a mouse.”
The discount airline’s website currently features a notice saying it is currently in the process of updating the website to make it more accessible to people with a disability.
The UK Equalities Act 2010 (formerly the Disabilities Discrimination Act) includes antidiscrimination codes of practice. The UK legislation ensures people with a disability receive equal access to goods, facilities, premises and services.
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