Asheville Airport Offers ADA Compliant Services

Asheville Airport Offers ADA Compliant Services

When you or a loved one lives with a disability, one of the most frustrating aspects is not being able to participate in the activities and opportunities that are open to others. In many cases, it is because services and facilities are not accessible. 

Take travel, for instance: it can be difficult to navigate an airport and fly without certain accommodations. Asheville Airport is committed to providing ADA-compliant services and meeting the needs of all passengers.

Traveling with a Disability

Traveling with disabilities can be extremely daunting. Not only can it be tough on the person who has the disability, but also their caretaker (if they have one). There are several unique challenges that occur at airports, where passengers must navigate a complex and often crowded environment. 

Some disabilities can be exceptionally challenging, including:

  • Mental impairments
  • Physical Impairments
  • Temporary disabilities

We have written about traveling with a disability before, specifically about things that you can do with wheelchair-accessible transportation.

The ACAA

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) protects people with disabilities by making it illegal for airlines to discriminate against passengers due to their disabilities. Working in conjunction with the ADA, the ACAA ensures that airlines and airports accommodate the needs of air travelers with disabilities.

The ACAA requires airlines to provide passengers with several different types of assistance, including:

  • Wheelchair/guided assistance to board, deplane or connect
  • Seating accommodation assistance that meets the needs of a disabled passenger
  • Help with loading and stowing any assistive device.
  • Airlines must accept battery-powered wheelchairs and are not able to charge for providing accommodations for such.

In addition to required assistance provisions, special training, and certifications must be taken as a public transportation company. Airlines also have to make available complaint resolution officials to respond to complaints by people traveling with disabilities.

What Is ADA Compliance?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) “prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.”

Airports are one area where ADA compliance is particularly important. For individuals with disabilities, air travel can be especially challenging, as it often requires navigating unfamiliar environments, dealing with crowds, and accessing a range of services and amenities. 

To ensure that airports are accessible and inclusive for all passengers, the ADA requires that airports provide a range of accommodations and services, such as wheelchair assistance, accessible parking, and accessible restrooms.

Additionally, airports are required to make sure that their websites and mobile apps are accessible so that individuals with disabilities can easily find information and make travel arrangements. By focusing on ADA compliance in airports, we can ensure that all passengers, regardless of ability, can enjoy a safe and comfortable travel experience.

Asheville Airport - ADA Compliance

The Asheville Airport is located in the mountains of western North Carolina and serves as a major transportation hub for the region, connecting passengers to destinations across the United States. 

Asheville Airport serves over 1 million passengers annually, including those with disabilities. To  ensure passengers with disabilities are accommodated, the airport has implemented a range of measures to ensure ADA compliance, including:

  • All jetways are on the main level of the airport terminal. They are fully accessible. Covered boarding bridges are accessible through level-entry boarding ramps or slightly inclined ramps. All ramps meet ADA requirements.
  • The Guest Services Center (located in the Baggage Claim area) is an excellent resource for those who have questions about ADA-compliant services - and any other travel questions you might have.
  • The parking garage and hourly parking lot have the appropriate number of designated handicapped spaces. There are also van-accessible spaces available. Please display your handicap placard while parked.
  • Every restroom is handicap accessible, and a family restroom is located adjacent to Gate 3.
  • For those with mobility issues, wheelchairs are available in the terminal. It is best to contact your airline in advance to request wheelchair assistance.
  • Service animals are welcome, and the airport has a pet relief area. After passing the TSA Screening Area, an airline representative can direct you to this space. All airports are required by the DOT to offer at least one pet relief area (which is exactly that: a place where the animal can relieve itself).
  • There are several designated handicapped spaces located in the parking garage and hourly lot. 
  • There is a TTY phone at the Guest Services desk in Baggage Claim.
  • Trained EMTs are on staff 24/7.

Asheville Regional Airport's commitment to ADA compliance reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry toward making air travel more accessible and inclusive for all passengers.

How to Prepare for Travel

Traveling with a disability can be particularly challenging at airports, where passengers must navigate a complex and often crowded environment. However, with the right preparation and support, air travel can be accessible and enjoyable for individuals with disabilities.

Before arriving at the airport, it's important to communicate your needs to the airline and request any necessary accommodations, such as wheelchair assistance or an aisle seat. Many airlines also offer pre-boarding for individuals with disabilities, allowing extra time to board and settle in before other passengers.

Once at the airport, passengers with disabilities can take advantage of a range of accommodations and services. For example, airports are required to provide accessible parking, wheelchair assistance, and accessible restrooms. Additionally, many airports have special assistance lanes and security checkpoints for passengers with disabilities, allowing them to move through the airport more quickly and easily.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it can also be helpful to bring a doctor's note outlining your medical needs, as well as any necessary medication and medical supplies. Additionally, passengers with disabilities may be eligible for priority boarding and other services, such as onboard wheelchair assistance and accessible seating.

Loyal Lifts - We Make Travel Accessible

Loyal Lifts wants to make sure travel is as accessible as possible: we provide comfortable and safe airport pickup and drop-off services. With an experienced professional driver and a wheelchair-accessible van, you will ride in comfort and relax before or after your flight. 

We offer a variety of transportation services, including:

  • Airport pickup and drop off
  • Hotel shuttling
  • Special event transportation
  • Non-emergency medical appointment transport.
  • General transportation to restaurants, grocery stores, shopping, etc.

Whether you are traveling for vacation, for business, for medical appointments, etc., Loyal Lifts wants to make the process as easy and convenient as possible. We'll pick you up and drop you off at the airport in style!

To schedule your next ride, contact us today to check our availability. Our base fee within Buncombe County is $35 plus $2.50 per mile.