What is “boarding assistance” defined by the ACAA?

Boarding assistance, as defined by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), specifically refers to the process of assisting passengers with disabilities to safely board and deboard the aircraft. This includes support that ensures that individuals with various disabilities can navigate the transition from the airport to the plane without undue difficulty. This definition underscores the importance of safety and accessibility in air travel, highlighting that airlines are required to provide tangible help to ensure that passengers with disabilities can embark on and disembark from aircraft in a manner that prioritizes their safety and comfort.

The focus of boarding assistance is on the physical act of getting on and off the aircraft, reflecting the ACAA's commitment to ensuring that air travel is accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical limitations. This makes it clear that while there may be other forms of support for passengers with disabilities—such as financial assistance or priority boarding—boarding assistance in this context is specifically concerned with the logistics of entering and exiting the aircraft safely.