Can passengers with disabilities be denied boarding based on their disability?

Passengers with disabilities cannot be denied boarding based solely on their disability. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) was enacted to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to air travel. It prohibits discrimination against passengers with disabilities in a variety of contexts, including ticketing, boarding, and travel assistance.

Under the ACAA, airlines are required to accommodate passengers with disabilities, ensuring they have the same opportunities to enjoy air travel as those without disabilities. This means that a passenger's mobility or other functional impairments cannot be used as a justification to deny them boarding, irrespective of the airline's capacity or circumstances.

While other factors may influence boarding, such as safety regulations or the need to ensure the health and safety of all passengers, these cannot be tied to a passenger's disability alone. By focusing on a passenger's abilities rather than their disabilities, airlines are better positioned to create an inclusive travel environment.