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What Special Services Are Offered?

Airlines provide a range of services to make your trip as trouble-free as possible. They range from pre-boarding the flight to having a friend or family member escort you to the gate. Those escorts can get a gate pass when you check in at the ticket counter, similar to how family members can get one when sending off unaccompanied minors. It'll enable escorts to go through security and chill with you at the gate until you board the plane.

We break down the resources that each major U.S. carrier features. Try to let your airline know way ahead of time any special accommodations you'll need. For example, with ample notice, many airlines say they will score you a seat in the front of the plane, if it'll help you read lips better, or will help you make plans to have your service dog—also called a hearing dog—accompany you.

· American: Preboard, aircraft safety videos have open captioning, individual safety briefings are available upon request, can ask to sit in the front when booking, gate escort permitted, service dogs fly for free
· Continental: Preboard, can request to sit in front, individual safety briefings are available, gate escorts permitted, can request airline provide an assistant to meet you at the gate and bring you to baggage area or help you find your ride (make your request when calling to notify the airline that you're hearing-impaired), service dogs fly for free
· Delta: Preboard, can request to sit in front, gate escort permitted, service dogs fly for free
· JetBlue: Preboard, can request to sit in front of plane; gate escort permitted; if you need an interpreter or nurse, JetBlue provides an opportunity for that assistant to fly for free
· Southwest: Preboard, option to sit in front since no seat assignments, gate escort permitted, service dogs fly for free
· United: Preboard, can request seat in front, gate escort permitted, service dogs fly for free
· US Airways: Preboard, can request to sit near the front of the plane, gate escort permitted, service dogs fly for free
· Virgin America: Preboard, gate escort permitted, service dogs fly for free

What do you think about the options, or lack thereof, for hard-of-hearing passengers? Do you think more should be done to accommodate them? What are some of the problems you've encountered as a hearing-impaired flyer? Let us know in the comments!

[Photo: JetSetCd]