Airplane Travel & People with Disabilities
Unlike most forms of transportation, most parts of air travel are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (ACAA) is a civil rights law that requires some accessibility for people with disabilities, but not the same level of access that is required on bus and rail services by the ADA. For example, under the ACAA, a person who uses a wheelchair or mobility device is required to transfer to an airplane seat instead of riding in their device. Also, while new safety videos shown on airplanes must be open-captioned, any video entertainment shown is not required to be captioned.
The ADA and its Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) do apply to airports and airport services.
Relevant Links
New Horizons
Information for the Air Traveler with a Disability
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Passengers with Disabilities
Toll-Free Hotline For Air Travelers With Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Transportation has a hotline for people with disabilities at (800) 778-4838 (Voice) or (800) 455-9880 (TTY), for more information about your rights under the ACAA. It is operational from 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Central Standard Time) seven days a week.
United Spinal Association Publications: Accessible Air Travel
U.S. Department of Justice: Filing a Complaint Against an Airport (public or private)
