Flight rights for passengers with disabilities and reduced Mobility

This advisory page summarizes your rights under various laws around the world, what assistance you can expect, and what you can do if you don't get it.

We can provide information only. We cannot help you request assistance or make a complaint, unless it concerns a delayed or canceled flight.

What are my rights?

Passengers with a disability have the same right to access air travel as people without disabilities.

Although the specifics differ by country, laws generally aim to ensure people can travel with ease and dignity.

Some laws set accessibility standards for airports and airplanes, while others give you the right to assistance you require in order to travel.

How to request special assistance

Many laws give you the right to “special assistance” — a service provided by airlines and airports to ensure passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility can travel with dignity from departure to arrival.

That could include airport wheelchair assistance or other mobility help, but can also include support for the elderly and travelers with service dogs.

There’s no universal rule for requesting special assistance.

Most laws require an accessible way to request it when you book your flight (via a tour operator or directly with the airline).

To get the best possible support, plan ahead.

Some countries specify limits (e.g. UK often requires 48 hours notice; Brazil sometimes 72 hours). In the US, airlines may not ask for advance notice unless your request requires significant planning.

Our advice: plan as early as possible.

Regulations around the world

There are a number of laws around the world protecting your rights as a passenger with a disability, reduced mobility, or additional needs. Here are some of the main ones.

United States

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)

• Covers disabled passengers and passengers traveling with service animals
• Applies on flights to, from, or within the US

The ACAA makes it illegal for airlines to discriminate against passengers with disabilities and requires airlines to accommodate passenger needs. It is enforced by the US Department of Transportation.

United Kingdom

Equality Act 2010 & the Civil Aviation Regulations 2014

• Covers disabled passengers, the elderly, and those with social communication and interaction difficulties
• Applies on flights to/from UK airports on UK- or EU-registered airlines, and flights from outside the UK or EU to the EU on UK carriers

In the UK, disabled passengers have the right to free assistance suitable to their needs at the airport and on board the aircraft. Disabilities do not need to be permanent or apparent to benefit.

European Union

EC 1107/2006

• Covers passengers with disabilities, passengers traveling with assistance dogs, and people with reduced mobility (including the elderly, pregnant women, and those traveling with small children)
• Applies on flights within the EU

EC 1107/2006 states that passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility should have access to air services comparable to other citizens, and have the same right to free movement, freedom of choice, and non-discrimination.

Canada

Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR)

• Covers passengers who are disabled, requiring assistive devices, or service animals
• Applies on flights to, from, or within Canada

The Canadian Transportation Agency protects the rights of people with disabilities to accessible transportation. These regulations aim to ensure barrier-free access and require airlines/airports to provide a range of services.

Brazil

ANAC Resolution 280/2013

• Covers passengers who are disabled, over 60, pregnant/breastfeeding, have reduced mobility, or travel with young children
• Applies on flights departing or arriving in Brazil

Brazil grants the right to special assistance and treats passengers needing assistance as priority passengers (e.g. priority boarding and priority support when disruptions occur).

What's Indemsy?

We help passengers get compensation for disrupted flights. If your flight was delayed or canceled, you may be eligible for up to €600 in compensation.

Was your flight delayed or canceled? Check compensation.

Commonly asked questions

Additional resources, links, and further reading

Canada

• Government of Canada accessibility plan progress report 2023
• Government of Canada information website for travelling with disabilities

UK

• CAA news article on improvements in airport accessibility since the pandemic
• CAA performance report on UK airport accessibility 2023/2024

USA

• Wheelchairtravel.org ranking the best and worst US airlines for wheelchair users in 2022