What legal recourse do passengers have if denied boarding due to disability?

Passengers who believe they have been denied boarding due to their disability have the option to file a complaint with the Department of Transportation (DOT). This is the appropriate legal recourse under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which prohibits discrimination against passengers based on their disabilities.

Filing a complaint with the DOT allows the situation to be reviewed by federal regulators who can investigate claims of discrimination and ensure enforcement of regulations that safeguard the rights of travelers with disabilities. The DOT has the authority to take actions against airlines that violate these rights, which can include fines, requirements for policy changes, and more.

Other options, while they may seem reasonable in the context of customer service, do not provide the structured legal framework that the ACAA requires. For instance, civil court action might be a possible recourse in some cases, but it’s generally a longer and more complex process that may not directly address the immediate issue of discrimination and is not specifically outlined as a right under the ACAA for denied boarding. Similarly, seeking a refund or immediate compensation does not address the issue of discrimination and may not be appropriate in all situations related to boarding denial due to disability.