Many questions and concerns about the travel of persons with disabilities and those subject to potential discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or creed as it relates to airlines and airports has surfaced in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and the heightened security measures.

You have written or otherwise corresponded with the DOT, FAA and other agencies or departments and asked questions. We have provided some answers below.

First, it is important to restate the 1998 language that the FAA issued to the public. It states: " The FAA wants to assure all travelers that airline screening will comply fully with civil rights laws and nothing will be done that might interfere with fundamental American liberties. The agency has cautioned airlines and airport law enforcement not to target or otherwise discriminate against passengers based on their race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or based on passengers’ names or modes of dress that could be indicative of such classification."

The Department of Transportation Office of Aviation Consumer Protection has sent airlines a message that encourages each airline to take steps to ensure its employees understand that it is not only wrong, but illegal to discriminate against people based on their race, ethnicity or religion. You may access this document at www.dot.gov/airconsumer/20010921.htm.

On October 10, 2001, the FAA issued an Aviation Update that addressed several areas of immediate concern regarding air travel. They include:

• Allowing extra time
• Checking-In
• Screener Checkpoints
• Items prohibited from aircraft cabins
• Permitted Items
• At the Gate
• At all Times

You may view this update at www.faa.gov/apa/webtips.htm.

Additional responses to your questions, especially with respect to People With Disabilities, are given below:

1. Augmentative communication devices, laptops, canes, and syringes:

These items can be taken on the plane. A higher level of examination should be expected, to ensure prohibited items are not concealed, and accommodated by the traveler. Persons with syringes will have to provide documented proof of medical need. The new carry on policy of one carry-on bag and one personal item includes laptops, but augmentative communication devices and canes are in addition to the stated policy.

2. Wheelchairs with batteries, and assistance dogs:

Wheelchairs may continue to be used through security, on to the gate and down the jet-way to the plane. Again, a higher level of screening should be expected and a body pat down may occur. Should a passenger desire a private room for the personal screening, the screeners should accommodate such request. Assistance dogs can still be used.

3. A flashlight in checked baggage:

All checked baggage would undergo enhanced security screenings and closer inspections. A flashlight in checked baggage will have to meet any enhanced requirements.

 

4. Elimination of curbside drop-off and check-in:

Curbside check-in is available on an airline-by-airline basis but is increasing on a daily basis. After contacting your airline to see if curbside check-in is now available and if it is not, you may still use curbside drop off, at most airports, and skycaps or other appropriate personnel may help you with your bags. If the airport is not allowing curbside drop off at all, you will need to personally arrange for an additional person(s) to assist you with your bags until inside the airport. Taking public transportation to the airport is highly recommended.

5. What can the disabled community expect in general:

Allow extra time to negotiate your way through the airport process during this time of heightened security and call your airline well in advance to ask questions and identify any special needs. Letting the airline know in advance how they can help you will generally result in a smoother trip. Skycaps and other appropriate personnel are also available to assist all passengers (including at curbside – where allowed) in transporting luggage and to assist those needing wheelchairs. If you should encounter any problems while processing through the security-screening checkpoint, request that a ground security coordinator for the air carrier you are flying, come to the checkpoint to resolve the problem. The screeners can make that contact.

While safety and security are the highest priorities, of equal importance is a smooth, and safe experience for all individuals as their journey takes them through the air travel system. Everyone may experience some inconveniences and delays while the nation adjusts to the new security reality. You may be asked to exhibit an increased level of cooperation in security searches with today’s new security regulations. And, just as there can be no discrimination against people on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed or disability, there can be no blanket exceptions to security procedures granted to people of any one group.

FAA is unwavering in its commitment: we will continue to be ever vigilant and conscious of civil rights concerns and ensure that new procedures are consistent with civil rights laws.