Re: [AI] If you work in accessible travel, this is for you

Mujtaba Merchant Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:32:09 -0800

Dear Subramani,

Thank you for sharing this newsletter and for the thought-provoking approach to advocacy. I found some truly valuable insights in your field guide—shifting the narrative from "personal struggle" to systemic accountability is a powerful way to reframe the conversation around travel accessibility.

I particularly appreciate the focus on treating accessibility as market intelligence rather than charity. It is a necessary shift to ensure that access failures are recognized as design and policy choices rather than individual misfortunes.

On a personal note, while I fully support the need for better advocacy, I wanted to share that my first experience flying solo after acquiring a disability was actually a very positive one. It was remarkably easy and pleasurable, thanks to the seamless assistance I received from the reservation counter all the way to boarding.

During my travels with IndiGo and Air India Express, everything was handled so efficiently that I didn't have to think twice. I was granted early passage through security and was the first to board. While I am aware of protocols where passengers with disabilities might off board last, and I understand the logic behind those rules, my specific experience was defined by the right help arriving at the right time.

That said, I recognize that my experience isn't universal and that many others face significant hurdles. We certainly need to continue advocating for more consistent access so that a "pleasurable" journey becomes the standard, not the exception.

Thank you again for the work you are doing to push for accountability in the industry.

Sincerely,

Mujtaba Merchant

Bangalore | INDIA

Sent from iPhone ®

On 26 Jan 2026, at 12:50 PM, [email protected] wrote:

Are you working in accessible travel and tourism?
This latest newsletter post is just for you.

Learn how to stop pitching disability stories as personal struggle and start framing them as evidence of failed systems.

In this field guide for media advocates, I break down how to:

Shift coverage from “inspiring travellers” to broken infrastructure and policy gaps
Use audits, data, and journey logs as news, not appendices
Reframe accessibility as market intelligence, not charity
Expose the care trap as a service and governance failure
Turn visuals into proof, not pity

If your media work still ends with applause instead of accountability, this post will help you change that.

Because access failures are not emotional stories.
They are design choices, budget decisions, and regulatory neglect.

Read the post by clicking the below link and rethink how you tell access stories — and who they hold responsible.

Also, do subscribe so that you get the next email straight to your inbox and do not miss the inputs I share.

Warm regards,
Subramani

Here is the link:

https://open.substack.com/pub/onthepulsetheinclusionedit/p/working-in-accessible-travel-and?r=83eqk&utm_medium=ios&shareImageVariant=overlay

Best regards,

Subramani

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Re: [AI] If you work in accessible travel, this is for you

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