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What Are Your Rights?

Although we don't yet have a Passenger Bill of Rights, hard-of-hearing travelers at least have some protection under the Air Carrier Access Act.

"We encourage deaf, hard-of-hearing and deaf-blind air travelers to learn about their rights, to request communication and information that is accessible to them, and to file complaints when those requests are denied," says Rosaline Crawford, director of the National Association of the Deaf Law and Advocacy Center.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network recently broke down the ACAA's guidelines so you can fight for your right to fly.

· Info and reservation services must be accessible
If an airline offers phone reservations and info, the same service must be given to hard-of-hearing passengers, whether through TTY or other technology.

· Info at the airport must be accessible once you identify yourself as hearing impaired
Once you give them the 411, U.S. airlines must give you prompt access to the information that hearing passengers have.

· Communication on the aircraft must be effective after self-identification
Same dealio here; you let them know about your condition, flight attendants have to keep you informed.

· Service animals are allowed aboard
As long as the animal doesn't obstruct the aisles, you should be able to bring Fido.

· Those who are deaf-blind are entitled to safety assistants
Airlines may require you to travel with a safety assistant if you are deaf and blind and the attendants can't effectively communicate with you.

· If you need help moving around the airport or aircraft, the airline must provide assistance
From our research, most airlines are reluctant to offer this to hearing-impaired passengers, unless you have another condition that makes it hard for you to move around.

· Don't be afraid to tattle
If you think the airline violated any of the ACAA rules, file a complaint with the Department of Transportation at 800-778-4838 (voice) or 800-455-9880 (TTY). You also can make a complaint online here.

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: Compujeramey]