Traveling for the holidays can be stressful enough. But what if you have a disability or health condition? In July 2022, The U.S. Department of Transportation released The Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights that include:
- The Right to Be Treated with Dignity and Respect.
- The Right to Receive Information About Services and Aircraft Capabilities and Limitations.
- The Right to Receive Information in an Accessible Format.
- The Right to Accessible Airport Facilities.
- The Right to Assistance at Airports.
- The Right to Assistance on the Aircraft.
- The Right to Travel with an Assistive Device or Service Animal.
- The Right to Receive Seating Accommodations.
- The Right to Accessible Aircraft Features.
- The Right to Resolution of a Disability-Related Issue.
To reduce stress, it may be helpful to understand available assistance before your travel day. Most airlines now have a phone number and/or web page with information on what assistance they provide so you can make arrangements in advance. If you have an issue, airlines are required to connect you with their Complaints Resolution Officer (CRO_ in a timely manner. The CRO should be trained as an expert in resolving disability-related issues and be able to resolve disability-related issues on the spot.
TSA Cares can also help. You can email a request or call (855) 787-2227 to make advance arrangements that include assistance through the required screening process.