What types of services must airlines provide to passengers with disabilities?

Airlines are required under the Air Carrier Access Act to provide specific types of support for passengers with disabilities to ensure that they can travel safely and comfortably. This includes assistance with boarding, deplaning, and connecting flights, which is essential for facilitating the travel process for individuals who may have mobility limitations or other disabilities.

Providing assistance during these crucial stages of travel helps prevent barriers to access that passengers with disabilities might face. It ensures that they have the necessary support to navigate through the airport environment and transition between different parts of their journey without undue hardship. This type of assistance is a fundamental requirement for airlines and is designed to promote inclusivity in air travel.

The other options do not reflect the specific legal obligations set out under the Air Carrier Access Act. While check-in assistance is useful, it is not comprehensive and does not encompass the range of services needed. Free upgrades to first class and accommodation at airport lounges are not mandated services; rather, they are discretionary and depend on the airline's policies rather than legal requirements. Therefore, the obligation to assist with boarding, deplaning, and connecting flights encompasses the necessary care that airlines must provide to meet the needs of passengers with disabilities.