Air Carrier Access Act Technical Assistance Manual (2005)

May I ask an individual what his or her disability is? Only to determine if a passenger is entitled to a particular seating accommodation pursuant to section 382.38. Generally, you may not make inquiries about an individual’s disability or the nature or severity of the disability. However, you may ask questions about an individual’s ability to perform specific air travel-related functions, such as enplaning, deplaning, walking through the airport, etc.

Example 1: You may not ask a person, “What is your disability?” You may not ask, “Do you have diabetes?”

Example 2: You may ask, “Can you walk from the gate area to your aircraft seat?” You may ask, “Are you able to transfer from the aisle chair over a fixed aisle seat armrest?” You may ask, “Can you walk from this gate to your connecting gate?” You may ask (by writing a note if necessary), “Do you need me to notify you if I make any announcements over the public address speaker?”

Example 3: Susan asks for a bulkhead seat because the condition of her leg necessitates her need for greater legroom. You may ask, “Are you unable to bend your leg or is your leg fused or immobilized?” [Sec. 382.38]