Proyecto Visión discovered that the United States Department of Transportation's toll-free hotline for people with disabilities is being underutilized. We would like to remind readers about its services...

Many consumers are not aware of their rights when traveling under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Department's regulations 14 CFR (Part 382). This includes uncertainties about the acceptance of service animals and electric wheelchairs on board during flights, stowing folding wheelchairs in the cabin, and receiving wheelchair assistance. The hotline for people with disabilities can help.

Hotline spokesperson Blaine Workie said "the hotline serves three main purposes: to provide consumers with information and resources about air travel and disability; to give callers general information about the rights of travelers with disabilities, and to help consumers resolve real time complaints."

Operators are available 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. seven days a week to mediate problems with air carriers. Officers sometimes contact carriers directly on behalf of consumers to resolve issues.

Call (800) 778-4838 (voice) or (800) 455-9880 (TTY) for assistance.

The hotline was established in August 2002 to educate consumers and to provide assistance resolving disability-related air travel problems.

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