Air Carrier Access Act Technical Assistance Manual (2005)

QUESTION: I’m a paraplegic and travel with my personal manual wheelchair. May airlines require me to travel with an attendant?

ANSWER: Airlines may not require a passenger with a mobility impairment to travel with an attendant if that passenger can physically assist in his or her evacuation. Since, in most instances, paraplegics have use of their arms and upper bodies, they can usually physically assist in their evacuation and generally should not be required to travel with an attendant. To the contrary, quadriplegics with no use of their arms or legs can be required to fly with an attendant. [Sec. 382.35]