print this pageDisability Related U.S. Air Travel Complaints
Air travel for disabled persons can have adverse effects on one’s well-being. Fortunately, the Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discriminatory treatment. The Secretary of Transportation regularly reviews complaints received by air carriers (U.S. and foreign) with an annual report to Congress.
A passenger’s complaints must be recorded as one the following types: vision impaired, hearing impaired, vision and hearing impaired, mentally impaired, communicable disease, allergies (e.g. food, chemical sensitivity) paraplegic, quadriplegic, other wheelchair, oxygen, stretcher, other assistive device (cane, respirator, etc.), and other disability. Service problems, additionally, are: refusal to board, refusal to board without an attendant, security issues concerning disability, aircraft not accessible, airport not accessible, advance-notice dispute, seating accommodations, failure to provide adequate or timely assistance, damage to assistive device, storage or delay of assistive device, service animal problem, unsatisfactory information, and other.
The following are offered in support of the disabled air traveler. The title of publications are followed by direct links via the internet.
NEW HORIZONS: INFORMATION FOR THE AIR TRAVELER WITH A DISABILITY
airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/horizons.htm
This Department of Transportation publication covers a variety of areas pertinent to travel by disabled individuals. These include new restrictions regarding discrimination, mandatory advance information availability regarding services and facilities, attendant information, airport accessibility, movement through facilities, security screening, medical certification, communicable disease, boarding and departure from plane, mobility aids and assistance devices, aircraft accessibility on the plane, seat assignments, service animals, in-cabin service, charge provision criteria, personnel training, and airline compliance procedures.
PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES
airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/disabled.htm
Gives an overview of the Air Carrier provisions, including prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability. Also, offers information on defining the rights of passengers and the obligations of the air carriers provided through the Air Carriers Access Act.
AIR TRAVEL SERVICE PROBLEMS: HOW COMPLAINTS ARE HANDLED
airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/problems.htm
This document is an overview with contact specifics for the disabled consumer. It offers a toll free telephone number. Additionally, the mailing address of the Aviation Consumer Protection Division, U.S. Department of Transportation is listed, as well as an email address. Brief guidelines are included for the complaint process. In addition to the Department of Transportation process and procedures, complaints can be filed with the federal courts.
Please note that article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to offer or replace the services of legal counsel.