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Over 43 million people in the U.S. with some form of disability need to use air transportation for business or pleasure. With the passage of the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, air transportation providers have made great strides to increase accessible services for people with disabilities. The following suggestions offer tips to help travelers with disabilities and older people to experience a trouble-free trip:

Reservations

• It will be helpful to give the airline ample time to supply any special equipment or services you may need. This procedure will allow the reservation agent to program your request into the airline computer system and distribute it to other airline representatives you may encounter on your trip.
• Request information about the airline's special services for people with disabilities and/or older people, in addition to any other customer service requests such as: special meals, braille briefing procedures, open-captions on videos, visual displays at gate areas, procedures for packaging battery-powered wheel chairs, and special senior fares.
• Request written confirmation after you make your reservation. Ask the reservation or travel agent to repeat your request to make sure they have recorded it correctly.
• Deadlines for purchasing reservations will vary according to the airline and type of fares you are investigating. Make sure you confirm the deadline for purchasing your ticket(s) with the reservation agent.
• If you are hearing impaired, inform the reservation or travel agent of a relay telephone number, as well as your TDD number, in case they need to reach you.
• Inform the airline as to whether you wish to transport your own wheelchair and if so, whether it is battery-powered and the type of battery it has so the airline can provide appropriate packaging. Be sure you understand the airline's procedure for transporting battery-powered wheelchairs.
• Inform the airline/travel agent if you will be traveling with a service animal or will need special equipment during the flight, e.g., portable oxygen, on board wheelchair, or a stretcher.
• Upon request, airlines, by law, will provide assistance for boarding, exiting the aircraft, flight connections, and for transportation between gates.

Check-In

• It is helpful to check in early, at least (1) hour before departure to provide enough time for the airline to accommodate your wishes.
• If paying by check, make sure you have the proper identification, e.g., a drivers license, major credit card.
• When checking in be sure to give the final destination and not the city where you might connect to go to another flight.
• Make sure your tickets have the correct originating city, connecting city, and final destination.
• Make sure a baggage destination tag and a personal I.D. tag are attached to your wheelchair before you check it in.
• Make sure your claim ticket and luggage tag matches your final destination.
• Carry on luggage is limited to two pieces of luggage that will fit underneath the passengers seat, in the overhead bin or closet of the aircraft. Assistive devices such as canes, TDDs, wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetic devices etc., are not counted as carry on baggage according to the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986.
• Many airports provide printed access guides which outline accessible services available in the airport. These brochures may be found at travelers aid stations, information counters, and airport administration offices. Airport authorities will be happy to send you a copy of their brochure if requested in advance.
• Do not put medication or glasses in checked bags; always bring them with you in carry-on bags. Bring a copy of your prescriptions for medication, glasses, and a statement from your physician explaining any special medical problems.

Boarding, In-Flight and Deplaning

• Airlines must offer the opportunity for you to pre-board upon request. Be prepared to provide instructions on how to best help you. If you are hearing impaired, ask the agent to let you know when it is time to board. Confirm the flight number and destination before boarding, and sit facing the boarding station if possible.
• If you are unable to hear announcements in-flight, request that they be communicated to you, in person, by the flight attendant.
• Federal Aviation Regulations require in-flight crews to brief passengers on evacuation procedures. It may be necessary to provide you with an independent briefing. Ask the attendant for print or braille instructions to facilitate the briefing.
• If you need assistance leaving the plane upon arrival, advise the in-flight crew during the flight to make arrangements with ground crew personnel.

Source: Federal Consumer Information Center