Can an airline refuse to let me board because of my disability?

What the Law Says

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) makes it illegal for airlines to discriminate against passengers with disabilities in air travel. It applies to all U.S. air carriers and foreign carriers operating flights to, from, or within the United States.

Airlines must provide equal access to air transportation and cannot refuse to board a passenger solely because of their disability. They must also make reasonable accommodations — such as assistance with boarding, seating accommodations, or stowing mobility devices — unless doing so would compromise safety or fundamentally alter the service.

The law explicitly prohibits denying transportation, requiring special documentation (like medical clearance), imposing restrictions not applied to other passengers, or charging extra fees for disability-related assistance — except for certain exceptions like transporting an emotional support animal under revised DOT rules.

Statutory Text

An air carrier may not discriminate against an individual on the basis of disability in the provision of air transportation.

— 49 U.S.C. § 41705 — Prohibitions on discrimination

Statutory Text

An air carrier may not require a passenger with a disability to accept special services, including but not limited to assistance in moving about the airport, boarding, or deplaning, if the passenger with a disability does not request the service.

— 49 U.S.C. § 41705 — Prohibitions on discrimination

What to Do

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