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This month’s article is revised from an earlier newsletter because I have had this conversation with more people than usual this year and so thought it was worth revisiting. Traveling with hearing loss can be frustrating and a bit nerve-wracking so this article is designed to give you some information for your next flight.
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) mandates that airlines provide equal access and effective communication to passengers with hearing loss, ensuring they receive the same information and services as other travelers. Passengers must self-identify their hearing loss at various points in the travel process, including when booking, checking in, and boarding, to receive accommodations such as preboarding, captioned safety videos, or visual alerts for gate changes. Airlines must also provide accessible reservation services, and in-flight safety information must be available in accessible formats, including video captions or written materials.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
Self-Identify: Inform airline personnel at every stage of your journey about your hearing loss and need for assistance.
Request Accommodations: Ask for preboarding if you cannot hear gate announcements, and request direct communication for critical information like gate changes.
Accessible Information: Expect captioned in-flight safety videos. If there isn’t one, flight attendants must provide written materials containing the same safety information.
Information and Reservation Services: Airlines must provide accessible services, including text telephone (TTY) services or other technologies, for reservations and information.
Key Provisions for Hearing Loss
Preboarding: You are entitled to preboard if you cannot hear the announcements to find your seat and prepare before other passengers.
Visual Displays: Airports should have televisions with captions turned on to ensure you have access to information.
Communication Aids: Airlines are required to offer effective communication, which may include video relay services, to bridge communication gaps.
Service Animals: The ACAA requires airlines to permit a service animal to accompany a passenger with a disability, including those with hearing loss.
Steps to Ensure a Smooth Trip
Before Booking: Identify yourself with hearing loss when making your flight reservation.
At the Airport: Self-identify again at the check-in counter, at the security screening, and at the gate.
On the Flight: Communicate your needs to the flight attendants and ensure they understand you require written or visual safety information.
Advocate: Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need. If you encounter issues, report them to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
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