What is the primary purpose of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)?

The primary purpose of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in air travel. This landmark legislation was enacted in 1986 and is designed to ensure that people with disabilities have the same right to travel by air as those without disabilities. The ACAA addresses various aspects of air travel for individuals with disabilities, including requirements for accessible services, facilities, and assistance from airlines.

This act plays a crucial role in promoting equal access and preventing discriminatory practices that could hinder the ability of individuals with disabilities to fly. It provides protections in areas such as seating, boarding assistance, and baggage handling, ensuring that airlines make reasonable accommodations for these passengers.

The other options focus on different aspects that do not capture the core objective of the ACAA. For instance, prohibiting discrimination against individuals without disabilities does not align with the ACAA's specific focus on protecting the rights of those with disabilities. Mandating seating arrangements or recognizing only certain types of disabilities are also misrepresentations of the ACAA's intent, which centers on broader disability rights in air travel rather than specific regulations or categorizations.