Air Carrier Access Act

The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination in air transportation by domestic and foreign air carriers against qualified individuals with physical or mental impairments. It applies only to air carriers that provide regularly scheduled services for hire to the public. Requirements address a wide range of issues including boarding assistance and certain accessibility features in newly built aircraft and new or altered airport facilities

49 U.S.C. § 41705 - Text of statute forbidding discrimination on the basis of disability.

14 C.F.R. Part 382 - Department of Transportation Regulations implementing the disability non-discrimination provisions of the ACAA.

People may enforce rights under the Air Carrier Access Act by filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation, or by bringing a lawsuit in Federal court.

To file a complaint:

Aviation Consumer Protection Division
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street, S.W. Room 4107, C-75
Washington, D.C. 20590

The toll-free number for the aviation consumer disability hotline is 1-800-778-4838.

Resources:

For more information of specific airlines' accommodations for air travelers with disabilities:

Domestic Carriers:

International Carriers: