Airports And Ada: What Assistance Is Required?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that airlines and airport operators ensure the accessibility of airport facilities. This includes the provision of assistance for passengers with disabilities, such as wheelchair and guided assistance, seating accommodations, and service animals. The ADA also requires that airports provide equal access to automated kiosks and online ticket purchasing for passengers with disabilities. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and other federal statutes and regulations, such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, further outline the obligations of airlines and airport operators to ensure accessibility and non-discrimination for passengers with disabilities.

Assistance moving throughout the airport

Airlines and airport operators are responsible for the accessibility of airport facilities. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Department’s implementing regulation in 14 CFR Part 382 cover airlines’ obligations. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also applies to U.S. airport operators.

In general, airlines must ensure that terminal facilities that they own, lease, or control are readily accessible and usable by passengers with disabilities at U.S. airports, and readily usable at foreign airports. This includes assistance moving throughout the airport, such as wheelchair and guided assistance.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has a rule that requires airports to provide equal access to passengers with disabilities who use air carrier’s automated kiosks or purchase tickets online.

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has a mission to provide a safe, enjoyable travel experience as well as equal access for guests and passengers with disabilities and/or special needs.

Seating accommodations

Airlines and airport operators are responsible for ensuring the accessibility of airport facilities. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover airlines' obligations. Airlines must ensure that terminal facilities they own, lease or control are readily accessible and usable by passengers with disabilities at US airports, and readily usable at foreign airports.

Passengers with disabilities may also request assistance with boarding and deplaning, which can include the use of a wheelchair or other mobility device. Airlines are required to provide this assistance upon request and to ensure that passengers with disabilities have equal access to all areas of the airport, including the gate and the plane.

In addition to seating accommodations, airlines and airports must also ensure that other aspects of the airport and air travel are accessible to passengers with disabilities. This includes accessible automated kiosks and websites, as well as allowing passengers to travel with service animals.

Service animals

Airlines and airport operators are responsible for the accessibility of airport facilities. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover airlines' obligations. Airlines must ensure that terminal facilities are readily accessible and usable by passengers with disabilities.

Accessible automated kiosks

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that airlines and U.S. airport operators provide equal access to passengers with disabilities. This includes accessible automated kiosks and the ability to purchase tickets online. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Department’s implementing regulation in 14 CFR Part 382 cover airlines’ obligations, while various other federal statutes and regulations apply to U.S. airport operators.

There are several ways to make automated kiosks more accessible. One way is to ensure that the kiosks are physically accessible, with features such as adjustable height and Braille labels. Another way is to provide alternative formats for interacting with the kiosks, such as audio prompts or large-print displays.

In addition to physical accessibility, it is also important to ensure that the software and user interface of automated kiosks are accessible. This includes features such as keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and high contrast colour options. By considering the needs of users with a range of disabilities, airport operators can create kiosks that are truly inclusive.

Airline obligations

Airlines and airport operators are responsible for ensuring the accessibility of airport facilities. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Department's implementing regulation in 14 CFR Part 382 outline the obligations of airlines. Airlines must ensure that terminal facilities they own, lease, or control are readily accessible and usable by passengers with disabilities at US airports and usable at foreign airports.

The ACAA requires that airport websites and kiosks are accessible to people with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Transportation has a rule that requires airports to provide equal access to passengers with disabilities who use air carrier’s automated kiosks or purchase tickets online.

Airlines must also permit passengers with disabilities to travel with service animals. The ADA National Network outlines the requirements for service animals and emotional support animals. The Air Carrier Access Act also covers this.

The Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights describes the obligations of airlines under the ACAA in more detail.

Frequently asked questions