Air Passengers with Disabilities Know Your Rights
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Travel Tips.
Know Your Rights: Air Travel for Passengers with Disabilities
Over 40 million Americans live with disabilities, and the Air Carrier Access Act, along with regulations from the Department of Transportation (DOT), ensures equal access to air travel for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of key provisions designed to make flying more inclusive and accessible:
Key Rights and Services for Passengers with Disabilities
- Non-Discrimination: Airlines cannot deny transportation based on disability. Companions or medical certificates aren't required unless specified by the rule.
- Assistance: Airlines must assist with boarding, deplaning, and connecting flights, including providing necessary personnel and equipment. For smaller commuter planes, passengers with severe mobility impairments should verify aircraft accessibility when planning their trips.
- Communication Access: Airport terminals and airline reservation centers are equipped with TDD devices for those with hearing or speech impairments. Additionally, passengers with vision or hearing impairments should receive timely information about gate assignments, delays, safety measures, and more.
- Restroom and Mobility Amenities: New wide-body aircraft are required to have wheelchair-accessible lavatories and onboard wheelchairs. On most other flights, onboard wheelchairs must be provided if requested with 48 hours' notice.
- Wheelchair Handling: Airlines must accept wheelchairs as checked baggage without liability waivers, except for pre-existing damage.
- Seating Accommodations: Most new airplanes must feature movable armrests on at least half of the aisle seats and have onboard storage for one folding passenger wheelchair.
- Service Animals: These animals are allowed in the cabin as long as they don't obstruct aisles or emergency routes.
- Safety Protocols: FAA safety rules dictate qualifications for sitting in emergency exit rows, requiring passengers to perform specific evacuation functions. Also, passengers cannot bring their own oxygen, though airlines may provide it for a fee.
- Fee Prohibition: Airlines cannot charge for services mandated by the regulations.
- Conflict Resolution: Airlines must have a specially trained Complaints Resolution Official available in cases of disputes, and a copy of the DOT rule should be accessible at every airport.
Before You Fly
It's advisable to contact your airline before your trip to reconfirm any assistance requests. This helps ensure a smoother travel experience.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Air Passengers with Disabilities Know Your Rights.
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