What is meant by major life activities in the context of the ACAA?

In the context of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), the term "major life activities" refers to physical or mental tasks that are essential for daily living. This encompasses a broad range of activities including but not limited to walking, talking, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, and the ability to care for oneself. By identifying these activities as "major," the ACAA recognizes the critical importance of these functions in ensuring that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in society, particularly when utilizing air travel services.

The correct understanding of major life activities allows for the proper application of protections under the ACAA, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to air transportation. Options that suggest limitations or reductions in the scope of these activities, such as focusing solely on work, socializing, leisure, or non-essential interactions, do not capture the comprehensive nature of the term as defined by the act. Thus, recognizing the full range of daily tasks that constitute major life activities is essential to the intent and enforcement of the ACAA.