DOT proposes air travel accessibility requirements

At DOT, we believe that all airline passengers deserve to be treated fairly, so we’ve been hard at work introducing consumer protections that we hope will make flying more convenient and hassle-free for everyone.

And last month, we proposed a requirement for airlines to make their websites accessible to individuals with disabilities and ensure that their ticket agents do the same. This proposal would also require airlines to make automated kiosks at U.S. airports accessible to passengers with disabilities.

The principle here is simple, and the Air Carrier Access Act signed by President Reagan in 1986 made it the law of the land: airline passengers with disabilities should have equal access to the same services as all other travelers.

Under the proposed requirement, airlines would have two years to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities.  In addition, airlines and airports that use automated kiosks for services such as printing boarding passes and baggage tags would have to ensure that any kiosk ordered 60 days after the rule takes effect is accessible.

Across America, we already have bank ATMs with accessible features that can be added to airport kiosks.  We're just proposing that airlines do what many banks are already doing for their customers with disabilities.

This proposal is just the latest in a series of DOT steps to carry out the Air Carrier Access Act, and ensure equal access to air transportation for all travelers. For example, in May 2008, DOT required carriers to make discounts available to passengers with disabilities who can't use inaccessible web sites and therefore must make telephone or in-person reservations that add to their ticket costs.

As with some previously proposed regulations, we’ve made it easy for you to comment on this with the Regulation Room website. This user-friendly online partnership with the Cornell eRulemaking Initiative supports President Obama’s open-government efforts and makes your participation that much easier. 

Thousands of Americans have let their voice heard on this unique website.  It's really a great opportunity for you to weigh in on your government's actions.  So, please visit the Regulation Room by November 25 and let us know what you think of our latest proposed consumer protections for air travelers with disabilities.

These proposed passenger protections are just one more way that DOT is helping ensure that you receive the respect you deserve before, during and after your flights.

Comments

[Long Island Personal Trainer]

I'm glad to hear that this is happening. I believe Life is hard enough already and people with disabilities should be given every opportunity that they can to be as comfortable as they can. and more importantly to able to do everything they can on their own without any help. I have a really great friend that is a little person and i know that this world is not built to cater to him. He has writen many letters to his congressman and has done lots of work to let the world know of his struggles and we are all proud of him.

This is great news