Can airlines charge passengers extra for disability accommodations?

The correct answer is based on the provisions of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which prohibits airlines from charging passengers with disabilities extra fees for accommodations that are necessary for them to fly. The ACAA is designed to ensure equitable treatment for individuals with disabilities and to prevent discriminatory practices in air travel.

Under the ACAA, airlines are required to provide certain accommodations without additional charges, meaning that any services or aids that are necessary for a disabled person to board a flight, travel, and disembark must be provided at no extra cost. This includes services such as assistance with boarding and deplaning, help with carrying items, or other necessary accommodations linked directly to the disability.

While airlines can charge for services that are not specifically required under the ACAA, any charge for essential accommodations would violate the regulations established to protect the rights of passengers with disabilities. Therefore, the prohibition against extra charges for required accommodations solidifies the principle that all passengers should have access to air travel without additional financial burdens imposed because of their disabilities.