A GUIDE TO ACCESSIBILITY OF TERMINALS ACCESS TRAVEL: AIRPORTS AIRPORTS COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL Published by: Airports Council International -- North America Access Travel: Airports 6th Edition Second Printing April 1993 The Airports Council International -- North America (ACI-NA) sincerely appreciates the generosity of the following airports and organizations for their contributions that made this publication possible: MARYLAND AVIATION ADMINISTRATION/BWI AIRPORT* CITY OF AUSTIN DEPT. OF AVIATION ROBERT MUELLER MUNICIPAL AIRPORT CITY OF HOUSTON DEPT. OF AVIATION* CRESTAR BANK, N.A.* DALLAS/FT. WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DAYTONA REGIONAL AIRPORT JACKSONVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LOS ANGELES DEPT. OF AIRPORTS MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL AIRPORT COMMISSION PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AIRPORT SALT LAKE CITY INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT CANADA AIRPORTS GROUP (* denotes contributors to first and second printings of the sixth edition) This symbol tells a person with a disability, particularly one using a wheelchair, a facility is physically accessible and can be entered and used without fear of being blocked by architectural barriers. This symbol is used for people with hearing losses to indicate there are devices and services available in the facility that will assist them in performing communication activities. This symbol is used to identify volume controlled telephones that amplify sound for voice communications. This symbol indicates a facility has Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDDs) available for communicating on the telephone with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This symbol shows there are services in a facility for people who are visually impaired. Table of Contents Air Carrier Access Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act About ACI-North America Codes Used in this Guide Guide to Worldwide Airport Facilities Travel Terms Suggestions for Convenient Travel Medical Traveling Tips Toll-Free Voice & TDD Travel Numbers Access Travel: Airports may be reproduced, excerpted or translated without further permission, provided that all such reproductions, excerpts, or translations are distributed free of charge and identify the source as Airports Council International -- North America (ACI-NA). For single, free copies, write: Consumer Information Center Pueblo, CO 81009 * Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) The regulations of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) were published April 6, 1990, and affect U.S. air carriers as well as facilities owned, leased or operated by them. ACAA prohibits discrimination against qualified people with disabilities. Air carriers also are required to establish a formal procedure to resolve complaints, including complaints resolution officials (CROs). Disabled travelers with a complaint about an airline will be able to address it with an airline's CRO at the airport. CROs must be accessible via TDDs if they also are accessible via regular telephones. For further information about ACAA. contact: Office of General Counsel U.S Department of Transportation 400 7th Street, SW, Room 10424 Washington, DC 20590 (202) 366-9306 (voice) (202) 755-7687 (TDD) * Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, and is recognized a the civil rights act for persons with disabilities. It addresses services and activities of state and local governments including actions applicable to public transportation. Transportation provisions of the Act are intended to improve access in equipment (buses, rail coaches), facilities, and demand responsive (interactive) systems. ADA also addresses public accommodations, businesses, and services operated by private entities and privately owned transportation. Public airports are affected by Title II of ADA. These ADA requirements became effective on January 26, 1992. New facilities designed and constructed for first occupancy later than January 26, 1993. must be accessible. Private airports also are affected by Title III of ADA. For further information about ADA, contact: U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Coordination and Review Section P.O. Box 66118 Washington, DC 20035-6118 (202) 514-0301 (voice) (202) 514-0381 (TDD) (202) 514-0383 (TDD) * About ACI-NA "The Airports Council International -- North America (ACI-NA) takes pride in publishing the second printing of the 6th edition of Access Travel: Airports. ACI-NA Member airports believe a wide distribution of this publication will encourage persons with disabilities and older people to take full advantage of the worldwide transportation opportunities available today. ACI-NA supports efforts to increase the level of accessibility to airports and other public facilities and will continue to work toward the achievement of this goal." George P. Howard President The Airports Council International -- North America (ACI-NA) is the "Voice of Airports" representing local, regional, and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda; ACI-NA Member airports enplane more than 90 percent of the domestic and virtually all the international airline passenger and cargo traffic in North America. ACI-NA also encompasses Associates representing a wide variety of businesses that provide products and services to the air transportation industry. The production of this guide is a public service project of ACI-NA and was recognized with a special award by the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. ACI-NA's address is: Airports Council International -- North America 1220 19th Street, N.W. Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 20036 Access Travel: Airports lists important accessible design features, facilities, and services at 553 airport terminals worldwide for persons with disabilities and older people. This guide is the result of a survey by ACI-NA of its member airports and other leading airports. This project was made possible by hundreds of airport executives who contributed information about their airports, the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, Corporate Services for the Deaf, Inc., and ACI-NA, which conducted the survey and collected the data. ACI-NA also appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs and the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. * Codes Used in this Guide The second printing of the 6th edition of Access Travel: Airports identifies the most current information received from airports worldwide. A new coding system has been developed for this edition to describe accessible airport design features, accessible services, and their locations. The coding system is divided into categories. Use the keys below to identify the meaning of the codes on the airport grids. Locate the codes by looking in the column (city) and row (service) of your choice. General Codes = Not Applicable = No = Yes S = Some Locations F = Forthcoming OC = On Call FA = First Aid A = Audible V = Visual U = Unknown VP = Visual Paging VA = Visual Alarms RE = Recessed Print Codes for Car Rental Agencies with Hand Controls Advanced notice is required at least one week prior to reserving a rental car with hand controls. Only a few sites may have them available without reservations. The following codes indicate the name of the car rental agency: AV = Avis B = Budget D = Dollar H = Hertz N = National Numbers 10 through 27 identify groups of car rental agencies that offer cars with hand controls available at various airports. 10 = Alamo, Hertz 11 = Avis, Hertz 12 = Avis, National 13 = Eurodollar, Hertz 14 = Avis, Budget, Hertz 15 = Avis, Hertz, National 16 = Budget, Hertz, National 17 = Budget, Hertz, Thrifty 18 = Budget, Thrifty, Tilden 19 = Avis, Budget, Hertz, National 20 = Avis, Dollar, Hertz, National 21 = Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Tilden 22 = Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Hertz, National 23 = Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National 24 = Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Tilden 25 = Alpine, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Tilden 26 = Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, RentRite, Tilden 27 = Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty, Tilden Codes for Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDDs) The letter portion of the following codes identify TDD locations within airports and the numbers indicate their times of availability. Example: BC-1 indicates a TDD is located at the baggage claim area and is available 24 hours. 1 = 24 hour availability 2 = limited hours (i.e. 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.). AL = Aloha Baggage Claim -- limited hours AO = Administration Office BC = Baggage Claim C = Concourse CR = Car Rental Agencies FA = First Aid Center IC = Information Center/Assistance Center LC = Limo Counter MH = Marriott Hotel MT = Main Terminal/Terminal Lobby OP = Airport Operations P = Police/Security TA = Travelers Aid TC = Ticket Counter Area TD = Refer to Terminal Directory TO = Terminal One TWT = TWA Ticket Counter -- limited hours UST = USAIR Ticket Counter -- limited hours Miscellaneous Codes IL = Induction loops (a closed-loop system that amplifies sound and transmits to people with a telecoil in their hearing aids). * = East End Terminal-LaGuardia Airport, New York, NY was not completed at press time. SL = Assistance with sign language is available at information booths and induction loops have been installed in London, England's Gatwick airport. Travel Terms Here are some explanations of the terminology used in air travel: Boarding -- A designated time when the gate agent instructs passengers with boarding passes to enter the airplane. Boarding Pass -- A card issued by an agent which allows you to board an airplane. Confirmed -- The reservation for a trip has been verified by a reservation agent. Connecting -- During the trip, a passenger will disembark one aircraft and board another aircraft at a "connecting" city between the originating (beginning) city and the final (ending) destination city. Direct -- Also referred to as a single-plane service. The airplane makes one or more stops before arriving at the final destination without the passenger getting off the airplane until the final destination. Gate Agent -- The person who issues the boarding passes and checks in passengers at a departure gate. Nonrestricted Fare -- Fares that do not require advance reservations or advance ticket purchase requirements. No itinerary change or refund penalties apply. (This requirement may vary with airlines.) Nonstop -- The airplane travels from your originating city to your final destination without a stop. Pre-Board -- A procedure for boarding passengers who may need special assistance or additional time in boarding the flight prior to the boarding of the majority of passengers. Restricted Fare -- Discount fares may be available on some flights and are subject to specific reservation and ticket purchase requirements. Failure to adhere to the established guidelines will result in added expense to the passenger. Holiday time restrictions may apply and seating may be limited. These fares vary greatly among airlines, and their policies are subject to change without notice. Sky Cap -- The person who checks luggage along the curb at the entrance of the airport terminal building, or who may assist with luggage at the baggage claim area. Sky caps also may be requested to provide special assistance and guidance within the terminal. They may be employees of either an airline or airport. Standby -- A reservation cannot be confirmed. A passenger will be given a seat only if one becomes available, usually at flight time. Available seats are given to passengers who check in first. A seat may not become available for standby passengers on some flights. Ticket Agent -- The person who issues the ticket at the ticket counter. A ticket agent also checks luggage and can assist the passenger with seat selection and obtaining special assistance, at the ticket counter. Suggestions for Convenient Travel Over 43 million people in the U.S. with some form of disability need to use air transportation for business or pleasure. With the passage of the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, air transportation providers have made great strides to increase accessible services for people with disabilities. The following suggestions offer tips to help travelers with disabilities and older people to experience a trouble-free trip: Advance Reservations It will be helpful to give the airline ample time to supply any special equipment or services you may need. This procedure will allow the reservation agent to program your request into the airline computer system and distribute it to other airline representatives you may encounter on your trip. * Request information about the airline's special services for people with disabilities and/or older people, in addition to any other customer service requests such as: special meals, braille briefing procedures, open-captions on videos, visual displays at gate areas, procedures for packaging battery-powered wheel chairs, and special senior fares. * Request written confirmation after you make your reservation. Ask the reservation or travel agent to repeat your request to make sure they have recorded it correctly. * Deadlines for purchasing reservations will vary according to the airline and type of fares you are investigating. Make sure you confirm the deadline for purchasing your ticket(s) with the reservation agent. * If you are hearing impaired, inform the reservation or travel agent of a relay telephone number, as well as your TDD number, in case they need to reach you. * Inform the airline as to whether you wish to transport your own wheelchair and if so, whether it is battery-powered and the type of battery it has so the airline can provide appropriate packaging. Be sure you understand the airline's procedure for transporting battery-powered wheelchairs. * Make sure a baggage destination tag and a personal I.D. tag are attached to your wheelchair before you check it in. * Inform the airline/travel agent if you will be traveling with a service animal or will need special equipment during the flight, e.g., portable oxygen, on board wheelchair, or a stretcher. * Upon request, airlines, by law, will provide assistance for boarding, exiting the aircraft, flight connections, and for transportation between gates. Advance Check-In * It is helpful to check in early, at least (1) hour before departure to provide enough time for the airline to accommodate your wishes. * If paying by check, make sure you have the proper identification, e.g., a drivers license, major credit card. * When checking in be sure to give the final destination and not the city where you might connect to go to another flight. * Make sure your tickets have the correct originating city, connecting city, and final destination. * Make sure your claim ticket and luggage tag matches your final destination. * Carry on luggage is limited to two pieces of luggage that will fit underneath the passengers seat, in the overhead bin or closet of the aircraft. Assistive devices such as canes, TDDs, wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetic devices etc., are not counted as carry on baggage according to the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986. * Many airports provide printed access guides which outline accessible services available in the airport. These brochures may be found at travelers aid stations, information counters, and airport administration offices. Airport authorities will be happy to send you a copy of their brochure if requested in advance. Procedures for Boarding, In-Flight and Deplaning * Airlines must offer the opportunity for you to pre-board upon request. Be prepared to provide instructions on how to best help you. If you are hearing impaired, ask the agent to let you know when it is time to board. Confirm the flight number and destination before boarding, and sit facing the boarding station if possible. * If you are unable to hear announcements in-flight, request that they be communicated to you, in person, by the flight attendant. * Federal Aviation Regulations require in-flight crews to brief passengers on evacuation procedures. It may be necessary to provide you with an independent briefing. Ask the attendant for print or braille instructions to facilitate the briefing. * If you need assistance leaving the plane upon arrival, advise the in-flight crew during the flight to make arrangements with ground crew personnel. Medical Traveling Tips According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, ear problems are the most common medical complaint of airplane travelers. Many people experience a sensation of fullness in the ears or popping when in-flight. During an airplane descent babies often cry due to this discomfort. A fullness or blocked sensation can be experienced when the middle ear pressure cannot be equalized. The Eustachian tube must open frequently and widely enough to equalize the changes in pressure. Since air travelers can experience rapid changes in air pressure, the following tips can help to equalize the pressure in the middle ear. * Swallow frequently when you are in-flight, especially before descent. Chewing gum or allowing mints to melt in your mouth will create a need for you to swallow more often. * Avoid sleeping during descent, because you may not be swallowing often enough to keep up with pressure changes. * If yawning or swallowing is not effective, use the valsalva maneuver: * Pinch your nostrils shut. * Breathe in a mouthful of air. * Using only your cheek and throat muscles, create pressure and force the air into the back of your nose as if you were trying to blow your thumb and fingers off your nostrils. * Be very gentle and blow in short successive attempts. When you hear or feel a pop in you ears, you have succeeded. * Never use force from your chest (lungs) or abdomen (diaphragm) which can create pressures that are too intense. * If travelling with a baby, allow the baby to suck on a pacifier or bottle, and do not allow the baby to sleep during descent. * If you have a cold, a sinus infection or allergy attack, postpone the airplane trip if at all possible. * Decongestant tablets and nasal sprays can be used an hour or so before descent. Travelers with allergy problems should take their medication at the beginning of the flight. * Decongestant tablets and sprays should be avoided by persons with heart disease, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, thyroid diseases or excessive nervousness. Pregnant women should consult their physicians first before using these over the counter medications. * After landing you may continue the pressure equalizing techniques, but if your ears fail to open or pain persists, seek the help of a physician who has experience in the care of ear disorders. * Do not put medication or glasses in checked bags; always bring them with you in carry-on bags. Bring a copy of your prescriptions for medication, glasses, and a statement from your physician explaining any special medical problems. Toll Free Reservation Voice & TDD Numbers Airlines Voice TDD Alaska 800-426-0333 800-682-2221 American 800-433-7300 800-543-1586 582-1573 OH America West 800-247-5692 800-526-8077 Continental 800-231-0856 800-343-9195 Delta 800-221-1212 800-831-4488 Northwest 800-225-2525 (dom) 800-328-2298 800-447-4747 (int'l) Southwest 800-435-9792 800-533-1305 TWA 800-221-2000 (dom) 800-421-8480 800-892-4141 (int'l) 800-252-0622 CA United 800-241-6522 800-323-0170 USAir 800-428-4322 800-245-2966 Car Rental Agencies Voice TDD Alamo 800-327-9623 305-468-2132 Avis 800-331-1212 800-331-2323 Budget 800-527-0700 800-826-5510 Dollar 800-421-6868 800-232-3310 Hertz 800-654-3131 800-654-2280 405-751-6122 OK National (Tilden) 800-227-7368 800-328-6323 612-830-2134 Thrifty 800-367-2277 800-358-5856 Hotels Voice TDD Best Western 800-528-1234 800-528-2222 Choice Hotels 800-221-2222 800-228-3323 Clarion, Quality " " Comfort, Sleep " " Roadway " " Econo Lodge " " Friendship " " Days Inn 800-325-2525 800-325-3297 Drury Inn 800-325-8300 800-325-0583 Doubletree 800-528-0444 800-528-9898 Embassy Suites 800-362-2799 800-451-4833 Hampton Inn 800-426-7866 800-635-7001 Hilton 800-445-8667 800-368-1133 Holiday Inn 800-465-4329 800-238-5544 Howard Johnson 800-654-2000 800-654-8442 Hyatt 800-233-1234 800-288-9548 La Quinta Inn 800-531-5900 800-426-3101 Marriott 800-228-9290 800-228-7014 Omni 800-843-6664 800-541-0808 Radisson 800-333-3333 Ramada Inn 800-228-2828 800-228-3232 Sheraton 800-325-3535 800-325-1717 Stouffer 800-468-3571 Westin 800-228-3000 The Airports Council International -- North America has gathered directly from participating airports worldwide the best information available on facilities for persons with disabilities. This informational guide is updated periodically and published voluntarily as a service to the traveling public. It should NOT be construed as a definitive listing of airports in compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA). Any inadvertent errors or omissions will be corrected in the next edition. New or updated information is welcomed; please submit to: ACI-NA 1220 19th Street, N.W., Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 20036 Fax (202) 331-136