Are there protections for passengers with disabilities in transport?
How the answer differs across 6 jurisdictions
CanadaFull article Yes, airlines operating in Canada must accommodate passengers with disabilities to eliminate undue obstacles to mobility, as required by the Canada Transportation Act.
AustraliaFull article No, an airline cannot refuse to fly you solely because you have a disability — this is unlawful discrimination under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
European UnionFull article Yes, denying boarding to a person with a disability without objective justification is unlawful discrimination under EU law.
No, it is generally unlawful to deny boarding to a disabled person without justification under UK equality law.
US FederalFull article Yes, U.S. airlines must accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices under the Air Carrier Access Act, including stowing them in the cargo hold at no extra charge and providing assistance from curb to gate.
US-CaliforniaFull article No, you generally cannot sue an airline for delayed or lost luggage under California state law because federal law (the Montreal Convention and U.S. Department of Transportation rules) preempts state law in this area.
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CanadaMust airlines accommodate passengers with disabilities?AustraliaCan an airline refuse to fly me because I have a disability?European UnionI have a disability and was denied boarding. Is this discrimination?
UKI have a disability and was denied boarding. Is this discrimination?US FederalDoes an airline have to accommodate my wheelchair or mobility device?US-CaliforniaCan I sue an airline for delayed or lost luggage under California law?Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.