Airlines and Passengers With Disabilities
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Travel Tips.
Airlines and Passengers with Disabilities
Overview
For passengers with disabilities, planning ahead with your airline can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Key Points
Over 40 million Americans have disabilities, and the Air Carrier Access Act, as implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOT), ensures these passengers can enjoy flying as much as anyone else. Here’s a summary of the key provisions:
Transportation and Assistance
- Airlines cannot deny boarding based on disability, nor can they demand an attendant or medical certificate, except in specific situations.
- Airlines must assist with boarding, deplaning, and making connections, providing both staff and equipment as needed. (Note: Some small commuter planes may not be fully accessible. If traveling to smaller cities, check the aircraft type and its accommodations.)
Communication and Information
- Airport terminals and airline reservation centers must have TDD telephone devices for those with hearing or speech impairments.
- Information such as gate assignments, flight delays, and safety details must be accessible to those with vision or hearing impairments.
Aircraft Accessibility
- Newer wide-body planes must feature wheelchair-accessible lavatories and on-board wheelchairs. For most other flights, an on-board wheelchair must be available upon request with 48 hours' notice.
- Wheelchairs are accepted as checked baggage without the need for passengers to sign liability waivers, except for pre-existing damage.
- New airplanes are required to have movable armrests on half of the aisle seats and space for storing a folding passenger wheelchair.
Service Animals and Safety
- Service animals are allowed in the cabin as long as they do not obstruct aisles or emergency exits.
- FAA safety regulations dictate who may be seated in emergency exit rows, requiring these passengers to perform necessary evacuation tasks.
Oxygen and Additional Services
- Passengers cannot bring their own oxygen. Most airlines provide approved oxygen for a fee but are not obligated to offer this service.
- Airlines may not charge for any services required by these rules.
Handling Disputes
- If disputes arise, airlines must provide a specially trained Complaints Resolution Official. Also, a copy of the DOT regulations should be available at every airport.
Final Tips
Reconfirm any assistance you’ve requested by calling the airline before your trip. For the latest security information, check the TSA website.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Airlines and Passengers With Disabilities.
You can browse and read all the articles for free. If you want to use them and get PLR and MRR rights, you need to buy the pack. Learn more about this pack of over 100 000 MRR and PLR articles.