The holiday travel season is here. Whether you are off to see Grandma or traveling to some Caribbean beach, if you have a disability, there are laws that can protect your rights.

Legal updates for travelers – airlines, buses, trains

If you are flying, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), a federal law passed in 1986, prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities on airplanes and applies to all U.S. and foreign airlines flying into and from the United States. For instance, passengers with disabilities can get help boarding, deplaning and getting to connecting flights. Airlines must transport wheelchairs, mobility devices and service animals safely and free of charge. Boarding areas must be wheelchair accessible. New 2024 Department of Transportation regulations require training for airport and airline staff on the safe handling of mobility equipment. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) created The Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights. For the latest information about air travel rights contact the DOT about the Air Carrier Access Act and the Department of Transportation (DOT) – What's New.

Other types of transportation, like busses, trains and cruise ships, must be accessible to travelers with disabilities. For example, busses must provide lifts in good operating condition for passengers who cannot climb stairs. They also must provide, at minimum, two locations for securing wheelchairs.

Passenger rail cars must have accessible seating and accessible restrooms in a minimum of one car on each train. Lounge and café cars must have accessible seating and there must be on accessible bedroom in each sleeping car. For more information, review the Amtrak services for train travelers with special needs website at amtrakvacations.com/trip-planning/accessibility.

Cruise lines have a legacy since 1996 of accommodating passengers with disabilities. Many cruise lines have accessible staterooms with roll-in showers, grab bars and wider doors. Public spaces on cruise ships are accessible. Many cruise lines offer American Sign Language interpreters, wheelchair rentals and large print menus.

Packing luggage/medical equipment, pharmacies, insurance – plan ahead

Regardless of how you travel, it is always a good idea to have a small carry-on bag with your essential medicines, personal essentials, your name, address, phone number and doctor's information in case you need something immediately.

Identify medical equipment stores and pharmacies that accept your insurance at your travel location. In some cases, you can rent medical equipment from a local medical equipment store (wheelchairs, rolling walkers, scooters) for a small charge versus carrying equipment with you. I attended a conference in Missouri a few years ago. I called ahead two months in advance and rented a rolling walker. The store delivered the equipment to the hotel and picked it up when I left. I also called the airlines in advance of my Missouri trip and requested accommodations to help get through airports. They picked me up at the gate, helped me check in luggage and helped me get to the planes on time for all connecting flights.

Questions about travel and the Americans with Disabilities Act? Contact the Southeast ADA Center at (404) 541-9001.

Happy travels!

Janice Baldon-Gutter is the DEI minority coordinator for the Southeast Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center.