What does Preamble of Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2026 do?

This bill proposes to amend title 49 of the United States Code. The stated purpose is to provide remedies for air transportation passengers with disabilities who experience discrimination. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 18, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes findings related to the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (ACAA). The findings indicate that individuals with disabilities, including veterans, still face significant barriers when traveling by air. These barriers include damaged assistive devices, inaccessible aircraft, inadequate assistance, inappropriate treatment of service animals, and a lack of suitable seating. Congress expresses the sense that access for individuals with disabilities in air transportation needs to be modernized. The ACAA is identified as needing updates to improve access for individuals with disabilities. Congress believes legislation is necessary to ensure adequate remedies for violations of the ACAA. A key concern is that the ACAA lacks a private right of action, which Congress believes needs correction.

What does DISCRIMINATION AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. of Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2026 do?

This section amends title 49 of the United States Code, specifically section 41705, related to discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It adds a new subsection (c)(2) requiring the Secretary to refer matters to the Attorney General if there is reasonable cause to believe there is a pattern or practice of discrimination. It adds a new subsection (d) outlining civil actions that aggrieved persons can bring against air carriers or foreign air carriers for violations, including the potential for compensatory and punitive damages. The amendment allows for the award of reasonable attorney's fees, expert fees, and court costs to the prevailing party in civil actions. It clarifies that individuals are not required to exhaust administrative remedies before bringing a civil action. The Attorney General is granted the authority to bring civil actions on behalf of aggrieved individuals. Civil penalties can be assessed against air carriers or foreign air carriers in civil actions brought by the Attorney General.

Back to bills

Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/18/2026 · Introduced: 6/18/2026

Author: Dina Titus (D-NV)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Air Carrier Access Act to allow individuals with disabilities to bring civil lawsuits against airlines for discrimination, potentially seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
The bill empowers the Secretary to refer cases of potential discrimination patterns to the Attorney General for legal action.
It removes the requirement to exhaust administrative remedies before filing a lawsuit and allows for the recovery of attorney's fees and court costs for prevailing parties.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account