Are US-based airlines mandated to comply with ADA guidelines and if so, to what degree?
Do they have to provide wheelchair accessible restrooms, ramps, etc. on board the aircraft? I understand different airlines have different policies but I am wondering if they are mandated to comply, what the minimum requirements are.
I was unable to book a flight for my disabled mother recently due to accessibility issues. She has a power wheelchair and I was told by one carrier I would be charged an outrageous amount because the wheelchair is considered “cargo.”
Also, she is on oxygen and I was told I would have to pay an extra $100 for that as well as purchase another seat because she is a large person.
Aircrafts are not equipped for the handicapped, unfortunately. Certain aircrafts can not handle the larger motorized wheelchairs and if it is a wet cell battery, its considered hazordous materials and has to be handled differently than a dry cell battery.
Lavatories are not equipped to handle someone who is handicapped. Most aircrafts do not have an on board aisle chair. The flight attendants will not assist with getting passengers to a lavatory, if a passenger requires assisntance in flight, they have to provide their own assistant.
Oxygen is not provided by the airline either because it has to be regulated and is not something they store on the aircraft. Medical oxygen supply companies are available through the airline. This helps make sure the order is organized with doctors orders and the oxygen flow is correct for their need. Unfortunately it does cost money and it can be expensive. Certain aircrafts, especially regional jets in particular do not allow supplemental oxygen on board, so you would have to book a flight that is mainline or not their regional carrier. However if she has a portable oxygen concentrator that is airline approved or been modified for air travel, then she can take it onboard most airlines. Most airlines will allow the Inogen One and AirSep Lifestyle portable oxygen concentrators on their aircrafts both mainline and regional, but again you would have to verify. She would have to have medical documentation with her just in case as well. The cargo doors to the baggage compartment is not very large and usually under the engine, so trying to get a large and bulky motorized chair loaded is difficult and near impossible.
And with more and more people being of size, airlines have no choice but to charge for a second seat in most cases. They can’t sell one person a seat that obviously takes up two and expect someone to try and sit in the seat next to them, its uncomfortable and not fair. Its a touchy subject but more and more, airlines have to be adimant about charging for space used. If the flight is empty or there are enough empty seats, they usually wont charge or will refund the extra seat fare.
The only thing an airline HAS to provide is a seat. They can move a passenger out of an assigned seat to accomidate a handicapped passenger and assist the passenger on and off the aircraft. Most gate agents and Sky Caps are not properly trained for transferring handicapped passengers. They show you how to but, proper transferring as it would be done by someone medically trained is not taught, just proper body mechanics. You could get lucky and get someone who worked in the medical field as a gate agent, but that is rare.
Each airline has different policies regarding transporting motorzied wheelchairs. Most times they are not stablized well in the cargo hold and shift during flight and parts break off. Gear boxes, wheels and handles just to name a few. Most wont charge to transport the wheelchair, but if it has a wet cell battery, they can charge for that.
Basically, commercial air travel has not been made to accomidate the handicapped needs of many. There are people who are parapalegic and quadrapalegic that fly on their own and know the routines.
If a person is of size and can not walk down the aisle to board and is of size, it will be hard to get them down the aisle on the aisle chair. The best thing is to go ahead and spend the money on First Class. That way there is limited walking or they can put the person in the first row and avoid the bruising that would come from squeezing down the aisle. Since you would have to spend the money on an extra coach seat, you may as well save her the hassles and just put her in the First Class Cabin. As much as she will go through just to get on the plane, the service that comes with it will be much needed Im sure.
Unfortunately there’s not much on the books that makes airlines have to provide anything. The extra cost of the oxygen, transporting a heavy or bulky wheelchair, the extra seat and if they need assistance in flight would not be covered in a discount ticket price. Its a difficult process and its upsetting to those trying to live a normal life with a disablility, but that is the world of airline travel. Hasnt been streamlined to help those in need. The airlines concern is getting as many people in the aircraft as safely as possible.
Contact several airlines to see what their policies are. They should not charge you for transporting the chair since it is an assitive device. But it would have to go below the aircraft in the cargo hold or Bulk Bin depending on the type of aircraft used. But you will find that answers will not be in her favor with out charging extra for extra needs. Its good that you are researching before just buying a ticket and assuming it will be taken care of at check in. But just make your calls with an open mind and dont put your emotions on your sleeve. They will deal with you compassionately, but again it will come with costs.
If you need further assistance or any suggestions or information, feel free to e-mail me. I worked for an airline for many years and can help you figure out which way is best for you to go as far as getting her to where she needs to go.
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