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e rule.
Airlines must provide enplaning, deplaning and
connecting assistance, including both personnel and
equipment. (Some small commuter aircraft may not
be accessible to passengers with severe mobility
impairments. When making plans to fly to small
cities, such passengers should check on the aircraft
type and its accessibility.)
Airport terminals and airline reservations centers
must have TDD telephone devices for persons with
hearing or speech impairments.
Passengers with vision or hearing impairments must
have timely access to the same information given to
other passengers at the airport or on the plane
concerning gate assignments, delayed flights, safety,
etc.
New widebody aircraft must have a wheelchair-
accessible lavatory and an on-board wheelchair.
Airlines must put an on-board wheelchair on most
other flights upon a passenger's request (48 hours'
notice required).
Air carriers must accept wheelchairs as checked
baggage, and cannot require passengers to sign
liability waivers for them (except for pre-existing
damage).
Most new airplanes must have movable armrests on
half the aisle seats, and on-board stowage for one
folding passenger wheelchair.
Carriers must allow service animals to accompany
passengers in the cabin, as long as they don't block
the aisle or other emergency evacuation route.
FAA safety rules establish standards for passengers
allowed to sit in emergency exit rows; such persons
must be able to perform certain evacuation-related
functions.
FAA rules also prohibit passengers from bringing
their own oxygen. Most airlines will provide
aircraft-approved oxygen for a fee, but aren't
required to.
Airlines may not charge for services that are
required by this rule.
Airlines must make available a specially-trained
Complaints Resolution Official if a dispute arises.
There must be a copy of the DOT rule at every
airport.
It's wise to call the airline again before your trip to
reconfirm any assistance that you have requested.
For additional details, see “Other Sources of
Information” at the end of this pamphlet for
information on ordering the booklet New Horizons
for the Air Traveler with a Disability.
Virtually all major U.S. airlines have a frequent-flyer
plan, and many foreign carriers are starting them.
These programs allow you to earn free trips,
upgrades (e.g., from Coach to First Class) or other
awards based on how often you fly on that airline. In
some programs you can earn credit by using
specified hotels, rental car companies, credit cards,
etc.
It doesn't cost anything to join a program,
and you can enroll in the programs of any number of
different airlines. However, it may not be to your
advantage to “put all your eggs in one basket” with
one plan by accumulating a high mileage balance
only to find out later that another carrier's program
suits your needs better. Here are some things to look
at when selecting a frequent-flyer program.
Does the airline fly where you're likely to want to
go?
Are there tie-ins with other carriers, especially those
with international routes? Is some of the airline's
service provided by commuter-carrier “partners”? In
both cases, can you earn credits and use awards on
those other airlines?
How many miles (or trips) are required for particular
awards?
Is there a minimum award per flight (e.g., you are
only flying 200 miles but the airline always awards
at least 500)?
Is there a deadline for using accumulated miles?
Carefully examine the number and length of any
blackout periods during which awards cannot be
used. On some carriers, the Thanksgiving blackout
may last a week.
If you are planning a big trip and are thinking about
joining that airline's frequent-flyer program, enroll
before you travel. Airlines usually won't credit
mileage that was flown before you became a
member.
After you join a program, there are other things that
you should know:
Is there a deadline for using accumulated miles?
Airlines reserve the right to make changes to their
programs, sometimes on short notice. The number
of miles required for particular awards might be
raised, requiring you to use your old mileage (i.e.,
your current balance) under the more restrictive new
rules. The airline may cease service on a route that
you were particularly interested in—or it may drop
the city you live in! The carrier may eliminate
attractive frequent-flyer tie-ins with particular
airlines or hotel chains.
Cashing in your mileage frequently will limit your
losses in case the carrier changes the rules, merges,
or goes out of business. (Some private companies
sell insurance covering some of these eventualities.)
Accumulating a larger mileage balance will entitle
you to bigger awards, however.
Carriers often limit the number of seats on each
flight for which frequent-flyer awards can be used.
You may not be able to get reservations on your
first- or second-choice dates or flights.
Awards can often be issued in the name of
immediate family members. However, if you sell or
give an award to someone not named on the award
or the travel document and the airline finds out, the
recipient could have his or her ticket confiscated,
and the carrier may penalize the program member's
account balance.
Ask the airline how mileage is registered; you will
probably have to identify yourself as a program
member when you book your flight or when you
check in.
Keep your boarding passes and the passenger
coupon of your ticket until you receive a statement
from the frequent-flyer program reflecting the
correct mileage earnings for that trip. If a problem
arises, get the names of the people you speak with
and keep notes of your conversations.
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