Air Carrier Access Act Technical Assistance Manual (2005)

Are temporary mental or physical impairments covered by part 382? Yes.

Example: While on a skiing trip, Jane breaks her leg and is placed in a cast that keeps her from bending her leg and walking without the use of crutches. Jane will eventually recover the full use of her leg, but in the meantime she is substantially limited in the major life activity of walking. Because Jane’s broken leg will substantially limit a major life activity for a time, Jane would be considered to have a disability covered by part 382 during that time. You would be required to provide her certain services and equipment under part 382 if requested (e.g., enplaning and deplaning assistance, connecting wheelchair assistance, seating with additional leg room in the same class of service to the extent required by part 382, safe stowage of her crutches in the aircraft cabin in close proximity to the passenger).