Air Carrier Access Act
Transparency & Verification
Verified from Official SourcePolicy Pantry collects information from official and trusted public sources. Legislative information can change quickly. Always review the linked official government source for the most current details.
AI Plain-Language Summary
Click "Generate" to create an AI-powered plain-language summary of this legislation.
Summary
Federal law prohibiting discrimination by airlines against passengers with disabilities, including those with severe allergies.
Full Description
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) prohibits discrimination in air transportation by domestic and foreign air carriers against qualified individuals with physical or mental impairments. The Department of Transportation has interpreted the ACAA to require airlines to accommodate passengers with severe allergies, including providing buffer zones for passengers with peanut allergies and allowing service animals. The DOT's rules require airlines to establish policies for handling severe food allergies, including allowing pre-boarding to clean seating areas and providing peanut-free buffer zones when requested.
Key Provisions
1. Prohibits airline discrimination against passengers with disabilities. 2. Requires airlines to accommodate severe allergies. 3. Includes provisions for peanut-free buffer zones. 4. Allows service animals for disability-related needs.
Who This Bill Serves & Who's Backing It
Core Patient Populations
People with food allergies — including children, students, and their families.
Advocacy Groups Backing This Legislation
No advocacy organizations are currently tracked as backing this bill.Browse advocacy organizations →
Legislative Timeline
Votes & Legislative History
Public Access to Epinephrine
Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Public Access to Auto-Injectable Epinephrine
Allows authorized entities to acquire and maintain a supply of auto-injectable epinephrine for emergency use, provided that users complete training.
Grade nine and grade 10 health education Standards of Learning; severe allergic reaction awareness training
Requires the Board of Education to include severe allergic reaction awareness training in the health education Standards of Learning for grades nine and 10.
Youth Facility Health Records Rule
Health record maintenance for youth facilities
Requires youth facilities to maintain health records for youth, including allergy information and current medications, and ensures that all medical equipment (like inhalers and epinephrine) is transferred securely with the youth.
While we strive for accuracy, information may change over time. Always double-check and verify against official sources before relying on it.