International Travelers with Disabilities
U.S. air carriers must comply with the U.S. laws
and regulations regarding access for travelers with disabilities.
Foreign airlines have varying regulations for access, which must
be ascertained in detail from the carrier in advance of travel. Service
animals are not exempted from compliance with quarantine regulations
and so may not be allowed to travel to all international destinations.
U.S. companies or entities conducting programs or tours on cruise
ships have obligations regarding access for travelers with disabilities,
even if the ship itself is of foreign registry. Extra services and
accommodations for disabled travelers, often protected by legislation,
are generally available in North America, Western Europe, and Australia
and New Zealand, but very irregularly elsewhere. Each anticipated
international itinerary must be assessed on an individual basis,
in consultation with specialized travel agencies or tour operators,
as well as print and Internet resources with specific expertise in
this area. Listings and links to appropriate resources, professionals
as well as destination-specific information, can be found at www.access-able.com.
— David
O. Freedman
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