Air Carrier Access Act Technical Assistance Manual (2005)

Boarding Assistance in General

If a passenger with a disability requests assistance getting on an airplane or carrier personnel offer assistance and the passenger consents, a carrier must provide such assistance with boarding. [Sec. 382.39(a)] The type of assistance carriers must offer includes, as needed, services personnel and the use of wheelchairs, ramps, or mechanical lifts. [Sec. 382.39(a)(1)]

Carriers must provide access to the airplane for passengers with a disability by level-entry loading bridges or accessible passenger lounges where these means are available. [Sec. 382.39(a)(2)] Depending on the size of the aircraft, carriers have different obligations to provide boarding assistance to individuals with a disability using mechanical lifts, ramps, or other suitable devices that do not require lifting or carrying passengers up stairs. [Secs. 382.40 and 382.40a] See also Ch. 5, Section C.

Carriers must train to proficiency in the use of the boarding assistance equipment and procedures regarding the safety and dignity of passengers receiving boarding assistance. [Secs. 382.40(d) and 382.40a(d)]