Summary
- The Department of Transportation has launched the #accessibleairtravel campaign to promote the rights of air travelers with disabilities, coinciding with the 37th anniversary of the Air Carriers Access Act.
- The initiative aims to increase awareness and ensure a safe and dignified experience for disabled passengers.
- Data from the Department of Transportation shows that over 27 million people with disabilities traveled by air in 2019.
As the United States steers into the peak travel period over the holidays, the Department of Transportation has launched a campaign called #accessibleairtravel to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA).
The initiative aims to increase awareness for the rights of all air travelers for a safe and dignified experience both at the airport and in the air for the estimated 5.5 million Americans who use a wheelchair, alongside others who live with disabilities.
Photo: Sharkovski / Shutterstock
The campaign is hoped to promote the airline passenger’s bill of rights, and the DOT has put together an informative video for those on both sides of the spectrum to understand and assert the right to accessible air travel.
October 2nd, 1986
The enactment of the ACAA, which was put in place 37 years ago, prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities in commercial air transportation. In addition to the commencement of the new campaign, President Biden has earmarked billions of dollars for modernizing airports and their infrastructure to ensure the needs of disabled passengers. This includes the toilets, ramps, and retrofitting subway stations.
Development of the act has initiated that if wheelchairs were to be mishandled by airlines, it would be an immediate breach of the ACAA, which should ensure continued training and development for airline and airport staff that provide the hands-on assistance seen at the airport.
Photo: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock
27 million traveling with disabilities
Data from the Department of Transportation highlighted that pre-pandemic 2019, over 27 million took flight with disabilities. Multiple US carriers have taken initiatives to improve the experience for disabled passengers. However, United Airlines became the first of the big three to roll out braille in its aircraft cabin interiors.
The Star Alliance member aims to implement braille fleet-wide by 2026, ensuring tactile and accessible signage in and around its seating and toilets within the next three years. Up to 8% of passengers in the United States have vision loss or restrictions.
Photo: Verzellenberg I Shutterstock
As reported by Simple Flying in July, multiple United aircraft had braille fitted, identifying seat numbers, exit rows, and toilets, as it looks to roll out various enhancements to its 900-strong aircraft fleet across the next several years. Upgraded IFE, which includes the likes of closed captioning, audio descriptions, or its App that includes voiceover and talkback, are all part of the carrier’s commitment to improving the experience of less fortunate travelers.
Accessible Toilets
Earlier in the year, the Department of Transportation finalized changes to ensure that the toilets on new single-aisle aircraft meet further accessibility requirements. As part of this rule, in the long term, airlines must provide accessible toilets allowing passengers and attendants to enter and move without restriction.
Sources: Department of Transportation