Australians living with disability say they are facing "humiliating" treatment at airports, with reports of people forced to use garbage lifts, being carried onto flights by loved ones or suffering injuries from falls.
Writer Zoe Simmons has called for a total overhaul of how people with disabilities are handled at airports after a string of "appalling" and "dehumanising" incidents.
The Sydney woman, 27, who lives with fibromyalgia, has been approached by dozens of people with disabilities after 9news.com.au reported her wheelchair was damaged by Qantas in September.
Do you have a story? Contact reporter Joe Attanasio on United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that they should be abiding by."
She said the only way people with a disability can deal with their issues is through the Human Rights Commission.
"They look at conciliation, but there are no strict guidelines."
Leading Australian airlines Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia were approached about their procedures supporting the travel of people with disabilities.
All said their processes are regularly reviewed in consultation with disability organisations.
"We welcome thousands of passengers who require specific assistance on board our aircraft every year," a Qantas spokesperson said.
"We have a dedicated team who work with these passengers and we are always looking at ways we can make sure everyone has a smooth and comfortable journey with us."
Jetstar said its "top priority is providing a safe, comfortable and affordable travel experience to all our customers, including those requiring specific assistance".
Virgin Australia said it has a dedicated team to support people with disabilities through airports.