I just booked an accessible hotel room in a Los Angeles hotel and it was $25 more than the non-accessible room that a friend booked. Can hotels charge more for accessible rooms? I thought that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibited discrimination like this. Is this legal, and if not, what can I do about it?
The Law
Although discrimination on the basis of disability is prohibited in the US, there isn’t enough information to determine if the hotel in question violated the ADA. Under the ADA, hotels are required to have a certain number of accessible rooms based on their size. That number ranges from one accessible room for a property with 25 rooms, to nine accessible rooms in a property with 500 rooms. And properties that have more than 500 rooms are required to have 2% of their rooms flagged as accessible rooms.
But no matter how many rooms a property has, the accessible rooms are supposed to be distributed evenly among the various room types. What does that mean exactly? Well if they have multiple accessible rooms, they have to be equally distributed between the economy rooms and the high-end rooms. It also means that they should offer a choice in bed types, or other amenities such as ocean views.
The problem comes in when the property only has one or two accessible rooms, but a large variety of room types. Then some choices have to be made on how to allocate the rooms so that guests who need these rooms will have a reasonable choice.
Can hotels charge more for accessible rooms? Yes and no. They can’t charge more for an accessible room in the same rate category; however if all the accessible rooms in the lower rate category are booked, and the only accessible room left is one in a higher rate category, then yes you will have to pay that higher rate for that accessible room.
The Solution
The solution to your problem begins with contacting the hotel. Address your access concerns with the property manager. Ask about the property size, and the allocation of the accessible rooms in different rate categories. And be sure to write down those figures for future reference.
If the accessible rooms seem evenly split in all the rate categories, then you really don’t have any recourse. It could be that they had lower rate standard rooms available, but if all of the lower rate accessible rooms were already booked, then the only thing left for you was an accessible room in a higher rate category. So if that’s the case, you’re out of luck. That’s one reason it pays to book early, because the lower rate rooms usually fill up first. Of course it doesn’t hurt to ask for a credit, or a discount on a future stay for your troubles, but the hotel is not required to give you anything.
On the other hand ,if the property has a disproportionate number of accessible rooms in the higher rate category, you should definitely ask for the difference between the lower rate room and the higher rate room. And remember to remind the manager what the ADA requires.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to file an ADA complaint. Even if you are compensated, the property should still be up to ADA standards. After all, you don’t want this to happen again — to you or anyone else. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking compensation from a property and also filing an ADA complaint. The ADA complaint won’t get you any compensation, but it could help effect change.
Filing an ADA complaint is easy. You can do it online or by mail. Just follow the instructions at www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/.
More Resources
Of course, this issue is just the tip of the iceberg as far as accessible travel problems are concerned. With that in mind here are a few resources to help you adequately address other access shortfalls.
Have you ever arrived at a hotel, reservation in hand, only to discover that the hotel gave away your accessible room? Or worse yet, been told by a reservation agent that they cannot reserve a specific accessible room for you? It’s not only frustrating, but it’s also illegal in the US under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But unfortunately it does happen. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about the law, so you can be a more effective-self advocate.
Block That Room!
As of March 15, 2012, US hotels are required to block accessible guest rooms upon reservation. Blocking means that the property reserves a particular room for a particular guest on a particular date. It’s important to note that a block is not the same thing as a guarantee. A block takes a particular room out of inventory, while a guarantee only refers to the room rate. These regulations are contained in 28 CFR 36.302 (e) (1) in Title III of the ADA (ada.gov/law-and-regs/regulations/title-iii-regulations/#-36302-modifications-in-policies-practices-or-procedures).
Most properties have modern reservation systems that can identify the accessible rooms, and note their features — such as a roll-in shower — so it’s relatively easy to book a specific accessible room online. U.S. properties must also make sure that guests can reserve accessible rooms in the same manner that they can reserve non-accessible rooms. In other words, if you can reserve a non-accessible room on a particular website at midnight, you should also be able to reserve an accessible room in the same manner.
Unfortunately not all properties have their accessible room inventory online or have the ability to block accessible rooms. If you try to reserve a specific accessible room, and the reservation agent says they can’t guarantee that you will get that specific room, then ask to speak to the manager. Then explain your problem and remind the manager that the ADA requires properties to block accessible rooms upon reservation. This will usually get the desired results.
If, on the other hand, the manager doesn’t back down, it’s time to try another property. Frankly if management doesn’t care about access, then it’s highly unlikely that you will even get any type of an accessible room when you arrive. Find another hotel, and then follow through with an ADA Complaint on the first property.
File an ADA Complaint
So when should you file an ADA complaint? Well most definitely file one if a property ever tells you that they can’t block a specific accessible room for you. It’s easy to file an ADA complaint — the form is online at civilrights.justice.gov/report. Make sure and take notes when the event is fresh in your mind, and jot down the names of the people that you dealt with.
It’s also appropriate to file an ADA complaint if you can reserve a standard room on the property website, but are unable to reserve an accessible room there. It’s important to note that you won’t get any compensation as a result of these complaints; however the Depart of Justice may fine the property or require them to update their website or reservation system. In the long run, it will help make things more accessible.
Finally, if you arrive at a property only to find that the hotel gave away your accessible room, you should absolutely file an ADA complaint. The property is also required to find you a comparable room at another property at the same rate. The hotel must pay the difference if the rate at the other property is higher. That doesn’t let them off as far as the Department of Justice is concerned though — take notes and file that ADA complaint when you get home.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Ever wonder why some people end up with upgrades and refunds whenever they make a wheelchair-access travel complaint, while others walk away with zero compensation? Truth be told, it’s all in the details. Knowing when to complain, how to complain and who to complain to are the keys to not only resolving the issue at hand, but also to receiving adequate compensation for your inconvenience. So the next time you encounter an access-related problem on the road, follow this roadmap for prompt resolution and adequate compensation.
Save Your Trip
The first and foremost rule about making a wheelchair-access travel complaint is to address the problem at hand. If your wheelchair arrives damaged, request a suitable loaner from the airline. If that supposedly accessible bus arrives but has two steps, request an appropriate replacement. If you arrive at a hotel to find that they gave your accessible room away, have them find you one at another property. Try and remedy the access shortfall, so you can salvage your vacation and enjoy the rest of your trip.
Additionally, you should try to prevent further damage. In other words, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. For example, if you miss a connection because the airline didn’t have a wheelchair waiting at the gate for you, don’t just throw in the towel. Work with the airline to get on the next available flight, so you can at least enjoy part of your vacation.
Don’t be afraid to address your loss while you are trying to mitigate damages, but don’t put a dollar price tag on it. For example, in the case of the missed connection, if the next available flight isn’t until late at night, don’t be afraid to point out that you are missing a whole day of vacation because of their error. And then ask if perhaps an upgrade is available. Keep in mind, this doesn’t wipe the slate clean, but it will make your travels more comfortable.
It’s also a good idea to jot down a few notes about the incident while it’s fresh in your mind. Write down times, dates and names if you have them. Then, put the notebook away, and don’t dwell on the incident. Enjoy what’s left of your vacation, then address the matter when you return home.
When You Return Home
The time to file an official wheelchair-access travel complaint with a service provider is after you return from your trip. And although every situation is different, here are some tips to help you approach the official complaint process.
Although it’s easy to pick up the phone, your complaint will receive more attention if you put it in writing.
Address the appropriate person. Don’t start with the President or CEO, but instead begin at the bottom and work your way up. You want to be able to show that you followed the company’s complaint procedure in an effort to resolve your accessibility issue.
Keep your complaint letter short and to the point. It should be no longer than one page. Avoid superfluous details and get to the point quickly.
Keep it polite, professional and G-rated. Abstain from vulgarities and name-calling.
Have someone who isn’t emotionally invested in the incident proofread your letter for clarity.
Never threaten to sue or to file an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint in your initial complaint. This just creates an adversarial situation and makes the matter harder to resolve.
If you are going to quote the law, make sure you know the law.
Make sure and enclose all documentation, including receipts and photos.
Most important, ask for some type of resolution. Don’t be afraid to ask for specific compensation, but be realistic. If you’re reasonable with your request, most companies will be generous in their response.
Make it Official
You should also file an official ADA or Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) complaint when you return home. This can be done in addition to your complaint with the provider, and even if you received compensation from them. This type of a complaint won’t get you anything personally, but it may help effect change.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) look for patterns, and the number of complaints against individual companies. If they see a lot of a certain type of complaint, they can issue fines and directives to help avoid future access-related failures. And that in turn may lead to better compliance in the future.
Plus it’s pretty easy to file an official wheelchair-access travel complaint.
If your issue involves physical access at a hotel, attraction, restaurant, outdoor area or venue in the United States, then you can file an ADA complaint. Information about an ADA complaint can be found at www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint. And the online form is located at civilrights.justice.gov/report.
Filing an official complaint is the final step in the process. And again, although it won’t benefit you personally, it can help to make the world a more accessible place.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Recently I flew to Los Angeles, and although the hotel I stayed at had a free airport shuttle, it was not wheelchair-accessible. I asked the driver and he said that they didn’t have any wheelchair-accessible airport shuttles, and that I should take a taxi or an Uber. It seemed a bit unfair for me to have to pay for transfers, while others got them for free. Are airport shuttles required to be wheelchair-accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? If so, what can I do if I encounter one that lacks wheelchair access?
The ADA and Wheelchair-Accessible Airport Shuttles
In a word, yes. If a hotel provides free shuttle service it’s also required to provide an equivalent accessible service under Title III of the ADA (ada.gov/topics/title-iii/). Equivalent is the key word here, so for example if passengers routinely wait 20 minutes for an airport shuttle, then wheelchair-accessible airport shuttles must arrive in the same time frame.
That doesn’t mean that hotels have to own their own shuttles though. They just have to provide the equivalent service. For example, a small hotel can share an accessible shuttle with other properties, but they must offer equivalent service as detailed above. Properties can also opt to send accessible taxis to pick up passengers, instead of purchasing and maintaining wheelchair-accessible airport shuttles. And finally they can alternately opt to reimburse guests for their accessible taxi or Uber fares.
When Things Go Wrong
Although equivalent service means that disabled guests will get the same service as non-disabled guests, a little advance planning can go a long way to making this a reality. First and foremost, don’t wait until you arrive at the airport to inquire about the availability of wheelchair-accessible hotel shuttles. Call the hotel in advance of your trip to confirm that they have the appropriate vehicles — and that they are actually operational.
If the hotel employee you are talking with says that they don’t have any wheelchair-accessible airport shuttles, then ask to speak to the manager. Usually managers know the law, and after you point out that wheelchair-accessible shuttle service is required under the ADA, then they will start to work to find a solution. Of course this solution may be that the hotels provides an accessible taxi or pays for your Uber, but that’s an acceptable solution under the law.
On the other hand if the manager balks at your request, it’s best to find another property. You can’t strong arm someone into adhering to the law, and you don’t want to arrive at the airport only to find out that there’s no way to get to your hotel. Give your money to a property that does follow the law and will be able to accommodate you.
Of course, don’t forget the property that didn’t accommodate you. They broke the law and they deserve to be reported to the Department of Justice (DOJ). It’s easy to do too — just complete this simple online form (civilrights.justice.gov/report) to file an ADA complaint. You won’t receive any compensation as the result of filing an ADA complaint, but it will help effect change. And that helps make everything more accessible in the long run.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Thanks to modern technology it’s now possible to share your travel photos with friends and family with just a few swipes and a tap or two. And I absolutely love seeing those smiling faces enjoying cruises, beaches and luxury resorts. But lately I’ve also been seeing another kind of travel post – it usually features a photo of an obviously inaccessible room, with the caption “Really? This is a wheelchair-accessible hotel room?”
And the truth is, well, maybe it isn’t.
How Does This Happen?
I’ve looked at thousands of wheelchair-accessible hotel rooms over my career, and I’ve seen just about every kind of access faux-paus you can imagine; however I’ve also had more than a few managers take me to view a supposed “accessible room” only to discover that it wasn’t. So how does that happen? According to many a red-faced hotel manager, “Somehow the rooms type was entered into the computer incorrectly.”
And although this seems like a minor computer error it can wreck havoc on travelers who need a wheelchair-accessible hotel room. Think about it for a minute. You reserve an accessible room, and because the inaccessible room is coded wrong that’s the room you get. Even worse, when you open the door and discover the lack of access and report it to the front desk, the clerk continues to insist that you ARE in an accessible room. Why? Because the computer says so. And believe me, it’s darn near impossible to convince a rank-and-file employee that the computer is wrong.
Clues That You Aren’t in a Wheelchair-Accessible Hotel Room
Although access features can and do vary from property to property, there are a few clues that you may have been incorrectly assigned to a standard room, rather than a wheelchair-accessible hotel room (in the US). Here are a few tip-offs.
Check the bathroom. Although access features may vary in the shower or tub, check out the toilet area. Are there grab bars by the toilet? If not, you may well be in a standard room, as that’s one access feature that is seldom missed.
Is the roll-in shower really a low step shower? Many hotels have replaced their tub/shower combinations with low-step showers in their standard rooms. Look inside the shower – if the only access feature you see is a set of grab bars, then you may be in a standard room. In this day and age even standard rooms have shower grab bars for safety, so that by itself doesn’t really indicate you are in an accessible room. Look for a hand-held showerhead.
It’s also important to note that under the Americans with Disabilities Act, accessible rooms can have either a roll-in shower a tub/shower combination or a transfer-type shower. In fact properties with 50 or fewer rooms aren’t required to have an accessible room with a roll-in shower. That said, if your tub/shower combination only has grab bars, and does not include a hand-held showerhead and some type of shower bench, you may be in a standard room.
Next, look out in the hallway. Do you see any rooms marked with the wheelchair pictogram? Are there any that have lowered peepholes? These are sure signs of an accessible room. If some rooms have them, but your room lacks them, it may be a sign that you are in a standard room.
How to Remedy the Situation
Of course if your room is listed incorrectly in the inventory, you won’t get much satisfaction from the front desk. You will have to go higher. Ask to speak to the manager. Ask the manager what features their wheelchair-accessible rooms have. Tell him that you are supposedly in a wheelchair-accessible room, but your room does not have those features. Then show him photos of the room.
And then perhaps suggest that this room was entered into the inventory incorrectly.
Chances are if this is the case, the manager will find you another room – one that is truly accessible. Of course there’s always the chance that there won’t be any accessible rooms available; in which case you should ask to be accommodated at a nearby property. After all, you did book an accessible room, and the mistake wasn’t your fault.
Granted this is a time consuming – and somewhat frustrating — process, so go ahead and ask to be compensated for your time. You may get some free points or maybe even a free night. In the end, managers want happy customers, so don’t be afraid to ask for whatever you feel you deserve.
A new United Airlines wheelchair sizer tool was recently unveiled. This digital tool enables wheelchair-users to select flights that can accommodate their specific assistive devices. Why is this important? Well, some larger wheelchairs will not fit through certain aircraft cargo doors without being titled to the side or back. And in some cases, tilting those wheelchairs could seriously damage them.
The Wheelchair Sizer Tool
So how does this new United Airlines wheelchair sizer tool work? Well basically you enter your flight criteria on the United Airlines website or app, then all the flights that meet your criteria are returned. Next you click on the “wheelchair” tab in the top right, and enter the dimensions and battery type of your wheelchair. Finally, click on “check size” and the tool will return all the flights that can accommodate your wheelchair.
And here’s the great part. If you aren’t able to take your preferred flight because your wheelchair won’t fit through the cargo door, and there are other more expensive flights that can accommodate your wheelchair, you can get a refund of the fare difference.
New United Airlines Wheelchair Sizer Tool Result of ACAA Complaint
So why did United Airlines develop this new wheelchair sizer tool? Well, it was all the result of an Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Complaint, and a subsequent settlement agreement between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and United Airlines.
The original ACAA complaint that triggered the DOT investigation was filed by Engracia Figueroa. Unfortunately United Airlines damaged her customized wheelchair and left her sitting in an airport wheelchair for five hours. And perhaps if she knew that she had other flight options, she would have taken an alternate flight, where her wheelchair didn’t have to be twisted, turned and tilted to fit through the cargo door. And all that manhandling was what damaged her $30,000 assistive device.
Sadly Ms. Figueroa’s story had a tragic ending. United initially refused to replace her wheelchair, and although Ms. Figueroa fought this decision, it took a toll on her. She subsequently developed a pressure sore as the direct result of improper seating, and by the time United Airlines finally agreed to replace her wheelchair, it was too late. Ms. Figueroa died from a subsequent infection on October 31, 2021.
Trial Program at IAH
Another provision of the DOT settlement agreement requires United Airlines to implement a six-month pilot program at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). This trial program will explore additional equipment and service options that can be used to accommodate passengers who have had their customized wheelchairs damaged or delayed.
Specifically, this program focuses on the time frame between a customer’s arrival at the airport and the time that United returns their wheelchair or provides an appropriate loaner. The goal is to make extended waits — like Ms. Figueroa had — safer and more comfortable. To that end, United is equipping their IAH loaner wheelchairs with Permobil cushions, in order to improve comfort and stability. Additionally, the airline is also reimbursing customers for transportation expenses, should there be an extended wait for the return of their assistive service. That way they can opt to wait in a more comfortable setting, such as a hotel or their own home.
The DOT has agreed to close its investigation of the ACAA complaint filed by Ms. Figueroa, in return for the implementation of these new wheelchair policies. An although it’s great to see these improvements, they wouldn’t be in place had it not for Ms. Figueroa’s ACAA complaint. So remember that the next time you encounter access problems while flying. Filing an ACAA complaint won’t personally help you, but it could help effect change. You can file a ACAA complaint at https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint.
And lest you think that it’s no big deal, remember that the ACAA has been in effect since 1986. We shouldn’t still be having these problems today. File that complaint if you encounter access-related issues .
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which has been on the books since 1986, details what services US airlines must provide to disabled passengers. These regulations also cover foreign air carriers that fly routes to and from the US. Although it’s a good idea to read the regulations in their entirety at www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382, there are a few key provisions that every traveler should note. With that in mind, I’ve created a Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights, which highlights those provisions.
Of course, sometimes there’s a big difference between the regulations that dictate what should happen, and what actually happens in real life. With that in mind, not only have I pointed out some possible air travel “realities”, but I’ve also included some helpful tips and tricks about how to remedy access missteps that could pop up along the way. And for your reference, I’ve also noted the specific parts of the ACAA that convey each right.
1. You Have the Right to Curbside Wheelchair Assistance
Curbside wheelchair assistance tops the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights. Some airports are huge, and slow walkers who use a cane or walker literally can’t manage the distance. Under § 382.91 of the ACAA, airlines are required to provide wheelchair assistance from the terminal entrance (or vehicle drop-off point) to the gate. Not only must they provide a wheelchair, but they must also provide someone to push that wheelchair and offer luggage assistance.
The reality of the situation is that sometimes this just doesn’t happen, even when you make advance arrangements. So what should you do if you are left stranded at the curb? The solution to this dilemma actually starts before the trip. Contact the airline prior to your departure and ask for the local number of the airline. Then put it in your cell phone so you have it handy if the airport wheelchair is a no-show. That way you won’t have to spend precious moments on hold and be forced to navigate through endless prompts, in order to get assistance.
And when all else fails call the airline out on social media. This shouldn’t be your initial response, but when your requests for assistance go unanswered, it’s sometimes the fastest way to get results.
Additionally, when you get to your gate don’t let them take the wheelchair away, even if you can easily make it down the jetbridge to the aircraft. The reason for this is that if there’s a gate change – which isn’t uncommon – you will need a wheelchair to get to your new gate. If they take that airport wheelchair away, you will be stranded. And sometimes that new gate can be quite a hike from the original gate.
2. You Have the Right to Remain in Your Own Wheelchair to the Aircraft Door
This is called gate checking your wheelchair and it’s absolutely something that you want to do. Why? First and foremost you will be more comfortable in your own wheelchair. Additionally, the less time the airline has your wheelchair, the less time they have to damage or misplace it. And under the ACAA US carriers are required to gate check wheelchairs whenever possible.
Of course the reality is that not everybody can stay in their own wheelchair all the way to the gate. In order to gate check your wheelchair it must have non-spillable batteries. If your wheelchair has spillable batteries you must arrive one hour earlier, surrender your wheelchair at check-in and then transfer to an airport wheelchair.
If your assistive device has Li-ion batteries, you may be able to stay in it all the way to the gate. Airlines are allowed to – but not required to – accept assistive devices with Li-ion batteries. And all the airlines have different requirements for the packaging, labeling and transport of these batteries.
Bottom line – know your battery, and travel with a non-spillable battery if at all possible. And contact the airlines directly to find out about their requirements or restrictions on Li-ion batteries. Finally, consult § 382.125 of the ACAA to find out the specifics of this provision.
3. You Have the Right to Preboard the Aircraft
Next up on the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights — preboarding. Under § 382.93 of the ACAA, airlines must offer preboarding to disabled passengers who request this service. Preboarding simply means that you board the aircraft before general boarding is announced.
There are several advantages to preboarding. First and foremost, you can take your time going down the jetway, and you don’t have to worry about being trampled or crowded by other passengers. Additionally, you’ll get first crack at overhead storage space, and people won’t be staring at you as you transfer to your seat. Finally, if your seat doesn’t have a flip-up armrest (it happens), the flight attendant can easily reseat you before the other passengers board.
The reality of the situation is that many airlines no longer make preboarding announcements. And under the ACAA, they aren’t required to announce preboarding, they are just required to offer it. With that in mind, make sure and arrive at your gate early, and tell the gate agent that you need to preboard the aircraft. Then — and this is the important part — make yourself very visible at the gate. Do not wander away. Out of sight is out of mind, and you certainly don’t want the gate agent to forget you.
4. You Have the Right to a Dignified Boarding
A very important facet of the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights is the right to a dignified boarding. A dignified boarding is either a level boarding or access to the aircraft by a lift. Under § 382.101 of the ACAA, US airline employees are never allowed to hand carry disabled passengers on board the aircraft.
Accessible boarding — either by a level jetway or a lift — is required on aircraft with 19 or more seats at US airports. Most larger airports have jetbridges, so you can just roll on the aircraft. At airports without jetbridges passengers deplane directly to the tarmac, via a portable stairway. At these airports, lift boarding is required if the airport has more than 10,000 enplanements (passengers) per year.
And although these boarding requirements also apply to foreign carriers that land in the US, it’s not a requirement at foreign airports. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to inquire about your boarding and deplaning options before you buy your ticket, especially on international flights. Additionally, don’t forget to ask about the weight limit of the lift if the airport doesn’t have jetways.
Also keep in mind, planes may enplane or deplane directly on the tarmac, even if the airport has jetbridges. This is usually a traffic issue, and it’s not uncommon at large airports. When this happens passengers deplane directly to the tarmac and are then bussed to the gate. If this is a possibility, it’s important to not only inquire about the availability of a lift, but also of an accessible bus.
5. You Have the Right to Appropriate Seating
Seating is another important topic addressed in the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights. To be honest, there’s a lot of confusion about what type of seating is required for wheelchair-users. Under § 382.61 of the ACAA, US aircraft with more than 30 seats must have movable armrests on at least half the seats. These flip-up armrests make transfers from the aisle chair a bit easier, and they are the only seating accommodation required for wheelchair-users.
That said, airlines cannot require a wheelchair-user to sit in a window seat or bar them from occupying an aisle seat. They can however prohibit a disabled passenger from sitting in an exit row.
Seating is further addressed in § 382.81 of the ACAA, which states that passengers with a fused leg or those who travel with a service animal are guaranteed bulkhead seating. It doesn’t require bulkhead seating for wheelchair-users or slow walkers. And if you qualify for bulkhead seating, it’s important to note that they do not have flip-up armrests.
The good news is, even though bulkhead seating is not required for wheelchair-users under the ACAA, many airlines routinely set aside these seats for any disabled passenger. Check with the carrier about their bulkhead seating policy if this is an accommodation you need. If they can accommodate you, great. If not keep checking until you find an airline that can. It’s also a good idea to check for airlines that offer open seating; because if you preboard you’ll have first pick of seats.
6. You Have the Right to Onboard Wheelchair Stowage on Most Aircraft
According to § 382.67 of the ACAA, US airlines must provide one priority wheelchair stowage space on aircraft with 100 or more seats.
This area must be at least 13 inches by 36 inches by 42 inches, which is deemed large enough to store a typical adult-sized wheelchair without having to remove the wheels. Although this space is usually located in the onboard closet, airlines can also strap a wheelchair to a row of seats. If the onboard wheelchair stowage space is in the closet, a sign must also be installed indicating that assistive devices stowed in this area get priority over all other items, including crew luggage.
The one thing to remember is that there is only one wheelchair stowage space per aircraft, and in order to use it you must preboard. So that’s one more reason to arrive at the gate early and take advantage of preboarding.
§ 382.123 of the ACAA also states that airline personnel are required to move other items — including crew luggage — in order to make room for a passenger’s wheelchair. Of course this doesn’t always happen, and sometimes the crew is reluctant to move their luggage. It’s a good idea to print out this section of the ACAA and take it with you in case that happens. And if that doesn’t work, then you’ll just have to enlist the assistance of the CRO (see #10 below).
7. You Have the Right to Fly
A very important tenet of the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights – airlines cannot deny you passage just because you are disabled. This is detailed in § 382.19 of the ACAA.
And although the airlines cannot deny disabled passengers passage, they can require them to travel with a safety assistant if they feel that they are unable to assist with their own emergency evacuation. That said the the only duty that a safety assistant has is to assist a disabled passenger in an emergency. And anybody – even someone you don’t know – can be a safety assistant. This is detailed in § 382.29 of the ACAA.
So if the gate agent says you can’t fly unaccompanied, all you have to do is ask another passenger to act as your safety assistant. Problem solved. Unfortunately not all gate agents know the law, so it’s a good idea print out this section of the regulations.
And if you have to, contact the CRO (see #10 below).
8. You Have the Right to Relieve Yourself on a Flight When Nature Calls
According to § 382.63 of the ACAA, accessible lavatories are required on all post-1992 US wide body aircraft. And if the aircraft has an accessible lavatory, it is also required to carry an on-board wheelchair.
The reality of the situation is that there are minimal requirements for an accessible lavatory. Basically they have to be big enough to accommodate the onboard wheelchair, and they must include an accessible call button, grab bars and faucets. There are no provisions for enough space for a caregiver or a transfer, so many folks can’t realistically use “accessible” airline lavatories. And again, they are only required on wide body (twin aisle) aircraft.
The good news is, that a revision of the ACAA to require accessible lavatories in single aisle aircraft is currently underway. Unfortunately the timeline for implementation is painfully slow, and if adopted as written, full implementation is at least 45 years away
For now, if you need a large lavatory, look to the newer wide body jets. Specifically, the 787 Dreamliner has a very spacious accessible lavatory. Also the newer Airbus 320 models have large space-flex accessible lavatories. Both of these models have plenty of room for both a wheelchair-user and a caregiver. Additionally it’s a good idea to check out the seating maps on www.seatguru.com. Although the site doesn’t list the exact size of the accessible lavatories, it’s easy to see the relative size compared to the standard lavatories.
And last but not least, if you will need the on-board wheelchair during the flight, ask the flight attendant to check and make sure it’s on the aircraft before takeoff. Sometimes they get offloaded and aren’t promptly replaced. And you don’t want to find this out in the middle of your flight.
9. You Have the Right to Compensation for Wheelchair Damage
Unfortunately wheelchair damage is sometimes a reality of air travel. § 382.131 of the ACAA addresses compensation for wheelchair damage.
On domestic flights (within the US), the airline liability limit for damaged assistive devices is the purchase price — not the replacement cost — of the item. And on international flights the airline liability limit for damaged assistive devices is covered under the Warsaw Convention ($25.29/kilo) or the Montreal Convention ($1731 limit).
So, if you have an older wheelchair, that costs more to replace today, you’ll be responsible for the difference. You’ll only be reimbursed for the original purchase price on domestic flights.
Although this coverage is limited, there are some steps you can take before your flight to make sure you will be adequately compensated. First and foremost, you should determine how much it would cost to replace your assistive device. Then check your homeowners insurance to see how much — if any — coverage you may have. Most policies cover personal property even when it leaves your residence; however some policies exclude assistive devices. And if your policy isn’t clear on this matter, call your agent for the most authoritative answer.
If you find that you don’t have any homeowners coverage, then shop around for a high deductible travel and baggage insurance that includes assistive devices. Again, it’s good to talk to a live person to make sure that you get adequate coverage. And make sure you get it in writing — don’t just rely on a random phone conversation.
10. You Have the Right to Have Your Disability-Related Complaint Addressed
This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights, as it offers an avenue to problem resolution. All US airlines and foreign airlines that fly to and from the US are required to have a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO) on duty during operating hours. This person knows the law and is specifically trained to solve access related problems. This provision is included in §382.151 of the ACAA.
The reality of the situation is that not all airline employees are acquainted with the CRO or the disability complaint process. They are also sometimes not even aware of the ACAA. This is especially true of new hires.
So whenever you run into a wall on an access-related issue, always ask to speak to the CRO. If the employee you are dealing with does not know who or what the CRO is, then ask to speak to a supervisor. They are well aware of CRO duties, and they may even be a CRO; as it’s not uncommon for the airlines to have more than one CRO on duty at a time.
It’s also a good idea to bookmark the ACAA, so you can point out the law if you feel you are being mistreated.
Of course the goal of the CRO is to solve the problem on the spot, but if that doesn’t happen you can most certainly follow up when you return home. You can file an access related complaint directly with the airline within 45 days of your flight.
Additional Recourse For ACAA Violations
Even if you have already filed a complaint with the airline, you can also file a complaint with the Department of Transportation (DOT) for ACAA violations when you get home. This most likely won’t result in a solution to your specific problem, but the DOT has the authority to fine airlines for access shortfalls. And that usually results in better policies and procedures for passengers with disabilities.
Flying with a wheelchair for the first time can seem pretty intimidating. That said, it doesn’t have to be. As they say, knowledge is power, and in this case that knowledge comes from the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Not only does this legislation spell out the rules of accessible air travel in the US, but it also covers air travel for foreign airlines on direct flights to and from the US. Additionally it mandates an on-site problem solver for accessible air travel problems. This problem solver is called the Complaints Resolution Official, or the CRO for short. So before your next flight, it pays to learn about the ACAA and the CRO. Not only will this help you know what to expect when you fly, but it will also give you a valuable resource should things go wrong.
Learn the Law — The ACAA
Many people incorrectly believe that air travel in the US is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is not. It is covered under the ACAA, which actually predates the ADA. And it specifically lays out the rules for accessible air travel on US airlines, as well for foreign airlines on flights to and from the US.
And the good news is that this piece of legislation is written in a user-friendly format. In other words it’s not a jumble of legal terms and phrases, but instead it’s presented as a series of questions and answers about accessible air travel. It covers everything from airport assistance and boarding, to seating, wheelchair stowage and even wheelchair damage. And the best thing that you can do to prepare yourself for your flight is to read the ACAA in it’s entirety at www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382
Reading this legislation is especially important if it’s your first time flying with a wheelchair. Why? Because it will give you a good idea of what to expect when you get to the airport, board the airplane and even arrive at your destination. And once you know what to expect, you will also know when something is going wrong. That’s when the CRO comes into play.
Ask for the CRO — Your Problem Solver
The ACAA also mandates that covered airlines must have a CRO on duty during their operating hours. They can have the CRO available in person or by phone, but they do have to be available when someone requests one. These employees know the ACAA and they have the power to solve problems on the spot. They have the power to overrule every other airline employee — including third party contractors — except the captain of the aircraft.
Once you know the rules for accessible air travel, you will also know when something isn’t going according to the rules. And that’s when you need to speak up for yourself. For example, if an airline employee says that wheelchair-users are not allowed to have aisle seats, and instead insists that you have to sit by the window, then you need to ask for the CRO. In this case, it would first be a good idea to first tell the airline employee that under the ACAA, the only place a wheelchair-user can’t sit is the emergency exit row. And if you still get push back, ask to speak to the CRO.
Now if the airline employee doesn’t know who or what the CRO is, ask to speak to a supervisor. The supervisor definitely knows who the CRO is, and in fact they may even be a CRO. Sometimes inexperienced employees don’t know about the CRO, so don’t be afraid to work your way up the chain of command.
It’s also a good idea to bookmark the ACAA, so you will have easy access to it when you travel. Then if you run into something questionable, you can easily pull it up and show it to the airline employee. Sometimes that works, but in the end the CRO is your best source for immediate resolution.
File an Official Complaint
Although the CRO is the person that can help solve your access related problems on the spot, there are a few more things you should do if you encounter difficulties when you are flying with a wheelchair. Of course first and foremost, you need to address the issue at hand, and try to get it solved by the CRO. But there are also a few more things that you should do when you return home.
First off, file an official complaint with the airline, especially if there was some damage done to your wheelchair or other assistive device. Address the issue and ask for appropriate compensation. When an access-related complaint is filed directly with the airline, they are required to track the resolution and report back to the Department of Transportation (DOT). It should be noted this is the only way to receive monetary damages from an airline, short of going to court.
Finally, it’s also a good idea to file an official ACAA complaint with the DOT after you return. This will not help solve your problem, nor will it get you any monetary compensation, but it could result in airline fines by the DOT. The DOT looks at patterns and if it gets numerous complaints on the same airline about the same thing, it may issue fines to the airlines involved. And remedial training is usually also required when an airline is fined. Although an ACAA complaint won’t benefit you personally it may help effect change and make air travel more accessible for everyone. And it’s easy to do on this online form — secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint.
So the next time you encounter problems when flying with a disability, make sure you take all of these measures to remedy the problem.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
In 1993 Artist Olin Calk crafted this Recycled Roadrunner at the Las Cruces Foothills Landfill, out of junk salvaged from the dump. It was meant to call attention to “consumption, recycling, and just looking at stuff we throw away.” In 2001 the old junk was stripped away and replaced with new junk, and the bird was relocated to a rest area off Interstate 10. Sadly the harsh desert climate took a toll on the old bird, and in 2014 it was once again refurbished. This time the bird was covered with “new salvage” from recycling centers and thrift stores.
Today the 20-foot tall and 40-foot long Recycled Roadrunner is once again an icon along Interstate 10. Although you can see it from the highway, you can only get a closer look at it from the eastbound rest area. Just take exit 135 and follow the road around to the picnic shelters. Accessible parking is available near the restrooms, and the best view of the roadrunner can be had from the first picnic shelter. Alternatively you can roll out on the dirt for a better view (watch for rattle snakes), but the optimal view of this work of art is actually from afar.
This well curated little museum, which is located along historic Route 66, is well worth a stop on any Interstate 40 road trip. There’s accessible parking next to the museum, with level access to the building. Inside, there’s plenty of room to wheel around the large gallery filled with vintage cars, old signs, Route 66 memorabilia and the largest public collection of Route 66 photographs in the US. Photographer Michael Campanelli’s images line the walls, and take visitors on a virtual Route 66 tour from California to Illinois. The cars, which are from local collections, are rotated throughout the season; and the volunteers that staff the museum are very knowledgeable – and enthusiastic – about Route 66. This nostalgic roadside attraction is open limited, so check the website for the current operating schedule to avoid disappointment.
19 Carlsbad Cavern Highway Whites City, New Mexico
Although they seem a bit out of place, these Green Aliens sit in front of Whites City Information Center, just off Highway 7, on the way to Carlsbad Caverns. There’s no interpretive plaque at the site; however locals say that the they are a tribute to the old Million Dollar Museum which formerly occupied the space, and had an “alien baby” on display. Today the aliens offer a good photo op on the way to New Mexico’s only national park. Accessible parking is located in front of the post office, with level access over to the aliens next door. It’s a fun stop, especially if you have kids in tow.
A must-stop along Interstate 40 is the Giant Kachina in Gallup, NM. At one time this classic Route 66 icon welcomed weary travelers to Gallup, but sadly the welcome signs are gone today. Just take exit 22 from Interstate 40, drive north on Ford Drive, then make a left on Montoya Boulevard. The statue is on the right, next door to the Fire Prevention Office, There’s plenty of room to park, and a nice level area to get out and take in this beauty. There are even a few covered picnic tables in the parking lot if you’d like to take a longer break. And while you’re in the area, don’t miss the historic El Rancho Hotel.
1000 E. Route 66 Gallup, NM elranchohotelgallup.com
Built in 1936, the El Rancho Hotel entices prospective guests with the phrase “The charm of yesterday and the conveniences of tomorrow” emblazoned across its front portal. The main building is constructed largely of brick, with stone and wood finishing touches. Inside it’s like a step back into another century – from the vintage shoe shine stand to the cigarette machine near the front door. Add in the lush bordello-like furnishings and the massive wood staircase, and you have a real blast from the past.
And even though access wasn’t an issue when the property was built, there’s an accessible parking space near the front entrance, with curb-cut access up to the porch. From there, it’s an easy roll inside the lobby. There’s also a small gift shop and restaurant on site, if you’d like to extend your stay. Unfortunately the elevator up to the mezzanine gallery looks like it hasn’t worked for decades, so the only way to view the portraits of the stars that stayed there is to climb the stairs. Still, it’s worth a quick stop just to see the outside of the building and the front lobby, which has a few display cases filled with film memorabilia. And it goes without saying, that it’s a must-see for movie buffs, as the El Rancho Hotel was once home bas to the movie stars that filmed westerns in the area. .
This life-size Brontosaurus Family can be found just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Believed to be the work of the late Larry Wilson who made a name for himself by crafting dinosaurs out of polyurethane foam, this out-of-the-way roadside attraction is a bit tricky to find, but well worth the effort.
From Interstate 25, take exit 278, then go south on Highway 14. Turn left at the first light (Rancho Viejo Boulevard), then go left at the Bureau of Land Management sign on Dinosaur Way. The family is located about a mile down the road on the right, next to a green metal building at M&M Garage Door & Gates. The sculptures are located on private property but there is a level grassy pullout along the road where you can get a good look at them. There’s no accessible parking or pathway to the sculptures, but truly there’s a great windshield view from the pullout. As an added bonus, there’s also a T-rex busting out of the adjacent metal building, which made the news in 2001, when the sculptor put an Osama bin Laden dummy in its jaw. This roadside attraction is just a short detour off the highway, and a definite must-see on the drive between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Located just outside Omaha, Boys Town was the dream-come-true of Father Flanagan. He began his home for orphaned and neglected boys with just $90 of borrowed capital in 1917. Today the Omaha campus is just one of many across America.
The campus itself is open for self-guided tours, but the real roadside attraction draw at this stop is located in the Visitor Center. That’s where you’ll find the World’s Largest Ball of Stamps in the Leon Myers Stamp Center.
There’s accessible parking in the Visitor Center lot, with ramp access up to the building. Inside, there’s barrier-free access to the information desk, and the sizable gift shop. The small stamp museum is located inside the gift shop, but if you can’t find it, just ask, as the employees are very helpful.
The stamp museum contains a number of themed displays that highlight stamps depicting children from around the world; but the piece de resistance is located in a small alcove in the back of the museum. The 600-pound stamp ball, which was crafted by students, is composed of over 4 million stamps and is recognized by Guinness as the World’s Largest Stamp Ball. The stamp collage in the background is an impressive piece on its own, but the stamp ball definitely takes center stage.
As an added bonus, if you are collector you can pick up foreign and domestic stamps for just a penny a piece at a small table near the stamp ball. Of course there is one caveat – “Please don’t add stamps to the stamp ball.”
Located near the eastern terminus of the Outlaw Scenic Byway, this collection of vintage windmills is must-see on any Cornhusker State road trip. The open-air museum features nearly 30 windmills that date back to 1880 – 1930, many of which are in working condition. This quirky roadside attraction was made possible by the local Leonard Gill Family, in an effort to preserve a piece of prairie heritage.
Most of the windmills are from the Howard and Barvetla McLain Collection of Carroll, Nebraska. They were moved to the site and restored by Marvin Baker of Pender, Nebraska. In some cases restoration was an arduous process, as parts had to be fabricated, because they were no longer available commercially. The result is an impressive and very rare exhibition of what’s billed as one of the finest collections of vintage windmills in the world.
The windmills are located on the south side of Highway 20, in front of the LP Gill Landfill. There’s no real parking area, but there is a wide level dirt space where you can pull over to get a better view of the site. In dry weather it’s possible to walk around the grassy area where the windmills are planted, but after a rain it can get pretty muddy. Even if you can’t manage the walk over the grass, it’s still worth a stop to catch a panoramic view of the windmills on the horizon. It’s an impressive sight indeed.
Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, Lee’s Restaurant first opened in 1945 as a twelve-seat beer joint. Apparently one of the regulars got a hankering for fried chicken, so Alice Lee went out back, slaughtered one and fried it up. And although they’ve added burgers, sandwiches and even lobster to the menu over the years, people still come for miles for their yummy fried chicken. No matter when you go, you’ll find the place filled with locals — a sure sign you’ve made the right dining choice. To add to the quaint atmosphere. there’s even a piano player who takes requests. There’s accessible parking in the lot, with level access to the building. Just take exit 397 off Highway 77, drive two miles west and look for the big chicken. You can’t miss it!
No trip through the Cornhusker State is complete without a stop at Carhenge, located about three miles north of Alliance on County Road 59. Not to be confused with Cadillac Ranch <link to Cadillac ranch entry>, this structure was built to replicate Stonehenge in England. It was erected at a 1987 family reunion, as a memorial to Jim Reinders’ father, and was appropriately dedicated during the summer solstice later that year.
The cars that comprise the sculpture are largely from the 50s and 60s and they are all American made. Previously there were three foreign models included, but they have since been removed and buried at the site. The circle of implanted cars replicates the placement of 38 of the major stones at Stonehenge. Originally Carhenge was unpainted, but it was subsequently painted flat gray to more closely resemble the British structure. In contrast, the Car Art Preserve, which is also located at the site, features a variety of colorful sculptures made from old cars and car parts.
There’s no striped parking at the site, but the lot is level, and is made of hard-packed dirt with bits of large gravel on top. The best place to park is over near the concrete pad at the Pit Stop, as it’s easier to access the level dirt trails around Carhenge from there. The pathways that lead through the Carhenge site are made of hard-packed dirt, and they are mostly doable in dry weather. There’s also level access to the Pit Stop, which sells souvenirs during the summer months. It’s a fun road trip stop.
If you’re heading up to the Two Medicine area of Glacier National Park, be sure and stop in at East Glacier Park Village to see the World’s Largest Purple Spoon. Located next to the Spiral Spoon (www.thespiralspoon) on MT 49, this local landmark is affectionately known as Big Martha. Crafted by Charlie and Jo Wagner, the 25-foot high utensil, which is made of plywood and Styrofoam, was unveiled on May 20, 2005.
There’s level parking in a dirt area next to the spoon, and a level path over to the Spiral Spoon. The shop itself has two small steps up into it, and if you can manage those, it’s definitely worth a look inside. This quaint shop offers a good selection of spoons and other implements carved by local artists. And in the back room, there’s an interesting display of vintage spoons on the ceiling, and a prop spoon that was used on the television show Bonanza in a case on the back wall.
All in all it’s a fun stop, if only for the photo op. It may or may not be the world’s largest purple spoon (hence the “maybe” etched on the plaque) but it’s definitely the largest one in this tiny village.
Not to be confused with the Cawker City Twine Ball <insert link> the Darwin Twine Ball is the largest ball of twine made by one person. While the Cawker City Twine Ball has visitors continually adding twine, the Darwin Twine Ball was made entirely by Francis Johnson. Johnson began work on the twine ball in 1950, and worked on it for the next 39 years. After his death in 1989 it was moved in a Plexiglas kiosk on the corner of William and I Streets. The finished product weighs 17,400 pounds and stands 13 feet tall. You can’t miss it — just look for the water tower.
There’s no parking lot, but it’s not a busy town so you can usually snag a parallel spot on the street. There’s curb-cut access up to the sidewalk which leads to the twine ball. There’s also a small museum in the former railroad station, which is located right behind the twine ball. There’s ramp access up to the building, which features information about Francis Johnson, and includes some of his prized possessions. It also houses some old town artifacts, railroad timetables and photos. And don’t forget to pick up a twine ball hoodie in the gift shop.
22275 Highway 36 Abita Springs, LA https://abitamysteryhouse.com/
Located across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, the Abita Mystery House is a must-see on any Big Easy visit. Although it began as the UCM Museum, it’s now grown; and with that growth came the new name. Housed in an odd assemblage of old buildings the collection includes found objects, hand-made inventions and even a miniature town. Highlights include Curator John Preble’s collection of handmade animated scenes constructed from recycled objects, the world famous Bassagator, a collection of paint-by-number treasures, the bicycle house, and the RV for aliens. Patterned after Tinkertown in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Abita Mystery House also features a vintage service station, a hand crank organ, a comb collection and the much photographed House of Shards. And although there are a few tight spaces, the majority of the museum is doable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. And don’t miss the gift shop, as that’s almost an exhibit by itself.
If a road trip takes you along Highway 281 in Southern Kansa, then be sure and stop for a quick photo op in Pratt. Although there’s not much to the town, they do have have a unique set of water towers. The Hot & Cold Water Towers are located at the intersection of Highway 281 (Main Street) and Green Street. You can get a good view of them from the Pratt Community Center parking lot (which has accessible parking), located just across the street. What supposedly began as a high school prank when students graffitied the towers in the 1940s, led to the town formally adopting — and accepting — the designations, and repainting the towers in a more formal and permanent way. Yes, other towns in Kansas also have similar water towers, but the story behind these sends them to the top of the list.
The Cawker City Twine Ball is definitely off the beaten path, but that’s part of the charm of it all. Located about an hour-and-a-half northwest of Salina, you definitely have to go out of your way to visit this Kansas roadside attraction. It was started by Frank Stoeber in 1953 with sisal twine from his hay bales. Frank had been a bit under the weather and he thought twine winding would be a good way to pass the time. After he recovered, he found he had a new hobby, so he decided to keep it up.
Today this massive twine ball sits in an open-air pavilion on Highway 24 between Maple Street and Lake Drive. Accessible street parking is available on the corner of Highway 24 and Lake Street. There are steps up to the twine pavilion from Highway 24, so it’s best to head up Lake Street and cross over the grassy area next to the building with the mural on front, to get to the twine ball. And depending on the upkeep of the grounds, some wheelchair-users may need a bit of assistance bumping up the cement slab where the twine ball sits. Still you can get a good view of it from anywhere on the grass.
And this isn’t a static exhibit — it’s still growing. Every August there’s a twine-a-thon, where visitors are encouraged to add to the twine ball. So if you’re in the area during that time, make plans to become an official twine winder.
Most folks know that potatoes are the number one crop in Idaho; however many visitors completely pass up an unusual museum that celebrates the origin and versatility of this ubiquitous cash crop. Located in a 1912 railroad station off Interstate 15, this roadside attraction makes a nice diversion on the route between Pocatello and Idaho Falls. You can’t miss it — it’s the only building on Main Street with a giant potato in the front.
There’s accessible parking near the front door, and level access over to the main entrance of the Idaho Potato Museum. Inside there’s plenty room to maneuver a wheelchair around the exhibits, and ample space for wheelchair seating in the adjacent restaurant.
The exhibits present an excellent history of the spud, tracing its origins back to South America, and illustrating the factors that make Idaho an excellent place to cultivate the crop. Interestingly enough, the timeline also notes that it took western cultures 450 years to realize the advantage of dehydrated potatoes — something that the Incas knew all along. The museum is also filled with display cases that contain collections of potato peelers, potato mashers and even potato sack clothing. And if you’d like a little more education about taters, there’s room for a wheelchair in the small theater where you can view an interesting selection of potato themed videos.
There’s ramped access — although some folks may need a bit of assistance because of the steep pitch — to the second gallery, which includes a collection of machinery, including a potato sorter, a tractor, a potato sack sewing machine and a number of scales. There is also a small children’s hands-on area, but there are five steps up to it. And don’t miss the world’s largest potato crisp, which is 25 inches long and weighs in at 5.4 ounces.
The Idaho Potato Museum also makes a good lunch stop as the cafe serves up a baked potatoes with a variety of toppings, and sandwiches on potato rolls. And if that’s not enough to lure you in, the restored railroad depot is a hidden gem, and certainly worth more than a cursory a drive-by glance.
Although there are many contenders for the World’s Largest Peanut, the true winner resides in Ashburn, GA. You can spy the stately goober from I 75, just south of exit 82 on the west side of the highway. And if you’d fancy a closer look, then take the Washington Drive exit and turn west, then make a left on Sylvia/Whittle, between Zaxby’s and the Pizza Hut. The big nut can be found on a small service road on the left, about a half-mile from the turn. Although it was knocked from its perch in Hurricane Michael in 2018, it was replaced and renovated in 2023. During that interim phase, several other peanuts claimed “largest” status, but after the replacement the Ashburn giant regained the title.
There’s a small paved parking lot, and although it’s not striped it is level and seems adequate for the amount of traffic the peanut gets. There’s level access over to the nut, but if you are expecting a big peanut gift shop filled with tasty treats, coffee cups and t-shirts, you will be sorely disappointed, as the only thing at this stop is a commemorative plaque, and the World’s Largest Peanut. Still it’s a fun stop, and there’s a journalistic twist to the nut too, as it was erected in memory of Nora Lawrence Smith, the former editor and co-publisher of the Wiregrass Farmer, Turner County’s award-winning newspaper. So why a peanut? It is of course Turner County’s most important agricultural product. As an added bonus, if you hit this site after dark, it’s also lighted.
This vintage Route 66 attraction lies along one of the few intact strips of the Arizona Mother Road. Located in Peach Springs, you can’t miss this kitschy attraction as a flag-lined driveway leads to the official entrance marked by a giant dinosaur. Although none of the tours are technically wheelchair-accessible, the 45-minute guided tour may be doable for some wheelchair-users and slow walkers. There’s elevator access down the the cavern entrance, and although there’s a short stairway, there’s also an alternative step-free pathway. The trails through the cave are paved, but manual wheelchair-users may need a bit of assistance in a few of the steeper sections. And if you can’t manage the tour, there’s level access to the restaurant which serves up “The Best Burgers on Route 66”.
This modest 9-11 memorial is located at the east end of town, along historic Route 66. There’s accessible parking on both sides of the memorial, with a level sidewalk over to the viewing area, which contains two pieces from the wreckage of the World Trade Center. There’s ample evidence of the reverence of the site, as past visitors have left flags, messages and notes at the memorial. There’s also a medallion from the former Winslow Bridge which once spanned the Little Colorado River on Route 66, at the site.
Located on the corner of 2nd Street (Route 66) and Kinsley, this roadside attraction brings the lyrics of the Eagles 1970 hit — Take it Easy — to life. It features a mural by John Pugh, which depicts the famous lyrics. “a girl, my lord, in a flat bed Ford slowin’ down to take a look at me.” There is also a bronze sculpture by Ron Adamson of a musician with a guitar “standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona” in front of the mural. There’s level access along the walkway in front of the mural, and barrier-free access to the surrounding stores which hawk some kitschy Route 66 souvenirs. And if you’re lucky, you’ll also hear strains of the hit tune coming from one of the stores.
Opened in 1996 by Dan Wright and Jake Raeney, this compact museum measures in at a tiny 134 square feet. It’s more of a gimmick to get passing motorists to stop at the adjacent Buckboard City Cafe; but it’s still a fun and quirky roadside attraction, regardless of your dining plans. The museum is located about a half-mile west of the rest area on Highway 60, in Superior, Arizona
There’s one accessible parking spot in the unstriped dirt parking lot, with level access over to the museum, which is housed in a small shed. There’s level access to the museum, and room for a wheelchair to maneuver down the single aisle that’s lined with glass display cases on each side. Exhibits include a collection of items curated by the founders, including a 1984 Compaq home computer, a Beatles concert poster, a 1960 letter from president-elect John F. Kennedy, and the world’s largest fake Zippo lighter. And don’t miss the tire sculpture and wheelbarrow fountain in front Even if it’s closed, there’s still an impressive collection of junk in the yard. It’s not something to go our of your way to visit, but it makes a good rest stop on they way to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Located along Highway 89A near Mile Post 538, Navajo Bridge is a must-stop on the way to Grand Canyon North. This Northern Arizona landmark is easy to spot, as the historic bridge parallels the current model along the main road. There’s accessible parking near the old bridge — which was replaced with the current incarnation in 1995 — and level access to the accessible restrooms, visitor center and gift shop. There’s also an accessible picnic table in the shaded picnic area near the historic bridge.
Access is excellent at this roadside stop, and it’s easy to roll across the 834-foot — now pedestrian — bridge which was constructed in 1928. And although bridge buffs will love this site, it also offers an impressive view of the canyon with the Colorado River below. The far side of the bridge is located on Navajo land, and it features a few trinket stands.
Over in Holbrook, Arizona, the Wigwam Motel is also worth a stop. Just take exit 285 and head east on Hopi Drive — trust me you can’t miss it. This hotel, which features 15 individual “wigwams”, first opened in the 1950s and was very popular in they heyday of Route 66. Although the Wigwam Motel is still in operation, they don’t have any accessible rooms. That said, it’s still worth a stop for the photo op, as there’s a nice collection of vintage cars parked in front of the wigwams. Access is good around the property too, as it’s all level. Additionally, the property is still owned by the same family that built it, and they love to chat about Route 66 history.
Although there’s no shortage of rock and petrified wood shops in Holbrook, the Rainbow Rock Shop is worth a stop, just for the photo op. Although the fenced yard is filled to the brim with rocks of every size and shape, the real stars at this stop are the giant fiberglass dinosaurs.
The best place to park is on the right side of the shop, which has a small paved unstriped lot, but parking is also available in a level gravel area in front. It doesn’t matter if the shop is open or not, because the real photo ops are from outside. Unfortunately the shop and the yard are so filled with rocks and petrified wood, that it’s not even remotely wheelchair-accessible. Still you can just roll up to the front to catch a glimpse of the dinosaur collection – you don’t even have to get out of your car. It’s easy to find too – just take exit 286 off of Interstate 40 and head south. The rock shop is located on the west side of the road just south of Hopi Drive.
Cano’s Castle is constructed almost entirely of beer cans. Owner Donald “Cano” Espinoza actually claims that God constructed this masterpiece. The main structure — a four story house (the king) — was damaged by a fire in 2022. The towers (the queen and the rook) survived undamaged, and they are covered in beer cans, hubcaps and scrap metal. The whole property is surrounded by a structure called the crown, and everything is covered in shiny — sometimes blinding — scrap metal. According to Espinoza this monument serves as a thank-you to the powers-that-be for sparing his life during the Vietnam War. He also notes that he received his inspiration for the structures from Vitamin Mary Jane and Jesus. It gets pretty strange after that, and let’s just say that if you happen to run into Cano, he will give you an earful. Cano’s Castle is located on State Street, between 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue, about three blocks east of Highway 285. Although it’s not wheelchair-accessible, there’s room to pull of and take a few photos.
Opened in 1911, Casa Del Desierto was considered the crown jewel of the infamous Harvey House chain. This Barstow icon provided elegant meals and comfortable overnight accommodations for passengers of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway; and also housed an elegant ballroom for dances and other social events. Today this stately structure not only offers visitors a glimpse into the past, but it also houses the Western America Railroad Museum.
The museum’s collection is comprehensive — some claim it borders on eclectic — while a cadre of enthusiastic volunteers eagerly await the opportunity to share their collective railroad knowledge with visitors. Exhibits include everything from railroad tools and machines, to vintage schedules, uniforms, dinnerware and signs. And then there’s the model railroad. Access is excellent at the museum too, with accessible parking in the adjacent lot and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair throughout the galleries.
There’s also a nice collection of rolling stock out in the yard, with level access around the cars. Highlights include an Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe caboose and diesel engine, a 1968 Cline wheel truck, and a Union Pacific caboose. There’s also a large Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe horse car, that was used to transport race horses and their owners across the country. And although the cars themselves do not offer wheelchair access, most of them are better admired from afar.
Although this Southern California artistic creation is located about 35 miles off Interstate 8, it’s definitely worth the detour. Just take exit 118 B, east of El Centro, and follow Highway 111 north. When you hit Niland, make a right on Main Street, which soon turns into Beal Road. Once out in the desert, you’ll pass the city dump and the makeshift community of Slab City, before you spot Salvation Mountain on the right.
This colorful masterpiece was crafted by Leonard Knight, who sadly passed away in 2014. His vision was to create a piece that reflected God’s love; and the 100-foot wide concrete mountain colorfully announces that belief to all who visit. And although age has taken it toll on this desert masterpiece, it’s still worth a visit. There’s no striped parking at the site, but there’s plenty of room to parallel park an adapted vehicle in the dirt parking lot. Although there are steps up to the top of the mountain, you can get an excellent view of the entire piece from below.
If you happen to be driving around Northern California on Highway 101, then plan to stop in for a brief photo op with Paul Bunyan and Babe. These massive sculptures are located in the Trees of Mystery (emerginghorizons.com/explore-californias-wheelchair-accessible-coastal-redwoods/) parking lot; and although there is a charge to visit the forest, you can take a selfie with the larger-than-life duo for free. Paul stands over 49 feet high, and Babe measures 35 feet between her horns. You definitely can’t miss them. And for added entertainment, Paul Bunyan waves his hand and says hello, tells a variety of jokes and even asks kids questions. All in all it’s a fun stop, and there’s plenty of accessible parking with ample room to roll over to the iconic duo.
Built in 1924 Kelso Depot was more than just a train depot, a it also included employee sleeping quarters as well as a full-service restaurant. The Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad constructed the facility in order to compete with the popular Harvey Houses operated by the Santa Fe Railroad. Kelso Depot was upscale for the time, and it even had a billiard room and a library. The depot ceased functioning in 1962, although the restaurant remained open until 1985. Today it houses the visitor center for the Mojave National Preserve.
Kelso Depot is pretty easy to find — just take Kelebaker Road from Baker, and continue on through the desert for 34 miles until you reach the historic site. Accessible parking is located in front of the depot, with level access over to the visitor center and the nearby accessible restrooms. Inside there’s barrier-free access throughout the facility, which includes interpretive exhibits about the Mojave National Preserve. Additionally the baggage room, ticket office and two dormitory rooms are furnished as they would have been in the 1920s. Even if the visitor center is closed, you can still get a gander at the lunch counter, vintage desks and old equipment through the large front windows. It’s definitely worth a stop while exploring the Mojave National Preserve.
36005 Highway 99 Traver, CA www.bravofarms.com Located in sleepy little Traver, Bravo Farms offers a much needed break from California’s monotonous Highway 99. To be fair, this gift shop-restaurant-farm-cheese factory has three other locations; but since the Traver one is the flagship, it’s also the kitschiest.
Accessible parking is located near the restaurant, and there’s level access to the restaurant, ice cream shop, gift shop, fudge shop and saloon. The gift shop has a wide selection of local products including Bravo Farms Cheese, (they have samples) and there’s even a wine tasting bar at the far end. And if you arrive at the right time you can also get a gander at the cheese-making process. Out back there are level pathways around a shooting gallery, a treehouse, a playground, a petting zoo, and a collection of old wooden buildings that are lined with vintage road signs and filled with memorabilia. It’s a great stop for kids of all ages!
Located in the middle of the California desert midway between Barstow and Las Vegas, the World’s Tallest Thermometer makes a nice stop on the way to Sin City. The brainchild of local businessman Willis Herron, the 134-foot tall thermometer was constructed in 1990 as a tribute to the record high temperature in the US — 134 degrees in nearby Death Valley. Unfortunately Herron didn’t account for the high winds in the area in his original plans, and as a result a strong gust brought the monument down, smashing a nearby gift shop that was under construction.
Undaunted Herron rebuilt the thermometer, and filled the second model with concrete to keep it steady. And although the thermometer was shut down for a while after Herron’s death, today it’s up and running again. It’s easy to find too — just take the Baker exit on Interstate 15 and follow the main drag until you see it on the south side of the street. To be honest, you can see it towering over the hamlet long before you even exit the freeway.
The best vantage point is from the fast food restaurant parking lot next door, because once you pull up too close to the thermometer, it’s hard to get a good photo. There’s lots of accessible parking is available in that lot, and it’s a nice level roll over to the far end, where you’ll get a good view of it all. After you’ve gotten your photos, you can just roll on over to the thermometer, go inside and check out the gift shop and photos of the construction of the thermometer.
Located off of Highway 93 about 25 miles north of Kingman, the Chloride Murals are a must-see on the way to Las Vegas or Grand Canyon West. Just take Road 125 (exit 53) and head east for four miles to reach the town proper. The murals are actually located on the other side of town in the hills. Continue along the main drag (Tennessee Avenue), cross a second cattle guard and then follow the dirt road 1.4 miles up to the murals.
A word of warning about the road — it’s not doable in a low-clearance vehicle, and there’s certainly ample evidence of oil pan damage along the route. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not required though, and most SUVs and trucks will manage quite nicely. And once you arrive at the murals, there’s a wide level spot to park right next to the art work.
Artist Roy Purcell painted the boulder murals in the mid 60s, and the vibrant colors have definitely stood the test of time. Titled “The Journey” the murals include images of a snake eating the sun, a talon grabbing at Chloride, fertility images, pieces with a definite Yin and Yang side, astrological signs and many scenes that are open to interpretation. Take some time to study the murals, as the longer you look at them, the more hidden details you’ll spot.
If you’re a Kevin Costner fan, you’ll definitely want to make a stop at the Field of Dreams Filming Site on your next road trip to Chicago. The site is located in rural Iowa, about 25 miles west of Dubuque off of Highway 20. It’s pretty easy to find with GPS, and it’s only five miles off the highway, but if you get lost just follow the signs.
There’s good access to the site, which is located on the Lansing family farm. Accessible parking is available near the entrance with level access over to the large gift shop. There’s also good access over to a vantage point of the field itself, and to the restaurant, concession stand and ice cream stand. Admission is free and for the most part, everything is flat, level and accessible. And although this site has been developed a bit since the filming of the1989 movie, the nearby cornfield helps put it all into perspective. It’s a good stop for movie buffs or anyone who likes baseball.
Most Trekkies know that Captain James T. Kirk hails from Riverside, Iowa; but few folks realize that there’s already a commemorative plaque marking his future birth in this sleepy little Midwestern town. And I say “future”, because as we all know, Star Trek is set in the future, and the popular Enterprise Captain won’t make his blessed appearance until March 22, 2228 (according to The Making of Star Trek, by Gene Roddenberry).
A plaque commemorating the Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk is located to the left of City Hall on Greene Street. It was relocated from nearby First Street in 2021. There’s accessible parking in front of City Hall, with a paved pathway over to the plaque,
Trekkies should also visit the Voyage Home Riverside History Center (www.voyagehomemuseum.org), which features a mixture of displays about Star Trek and Riverside. You can’t miss it as there’s a model of the Constitution-class USS Riverside on a trailer in the parking lot. There’s level access to this combination museum and gift shop, and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair inside. And while you’re in the area, check out Railroad Park, which is across the street from the museum. Not only does this green space boast a bronze statue of Captain Kirk, but it’s also a nice spot to enjoy a picnic lunch.
Established in 1937 when Key Underwood laid his dog Troop to rest at his favorite hunting camp, the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard now has more than 185 hounds buried there. It’s located in Northern Alabama about 30 miles from Tuscumbia, just 13 miles south of US Highway 72.
There is a small gravel parking area, and the terrain is fairly level and in dry weather it’s doable for most wheelers and slow walkers. You’ll see a little bit of everything at the graveyard, from marble monuments and wooden headstones to dog collars and even a plastic raccoon grave marker.
It’s still an active cemetery, as true coon dogs are eligible to be buried there. And they do stick to those restrictions. As the former caretaker elaborated, “A dog can’t run no deer, possum — nothing like that. He’s got to be a straight coon dog, and he’s got to be full hound. Couldn’t be a mixed up breed dog, a house dog.” All in all it’s a fun stop, and some of the headstones and memorials are priceless.
Located on an original stretch of Route 66, this combination gas station and souvenir shop is definitely a blast from the past. Take some time to explore the vintage cars, signs, tools and assorted junk outside, before you catch a glimpse of the vintage pinups in the men’s restroom inside at the Hackberry General Store. There’s plenty of room to park an adapted van in the dirt parking area, and there’s a level entry to the souvenir shop. And although there are a few steps inside, you can still get a good feel for this vintage attraction without navigating them. A must-stop on any Route 66 road trip! (emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-route-66-a-great-grand-canyon-side-trip/)
I just booked an accessible hotel room in a Los Angeles hotel and it was $25 more than the non-accessible room that a friend booked. Can hotels charge more for accessible rooms? I thought that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibited discrimination like this. Is this legal, and if not, what can I do about it?
Ever wonder why some people end up with upgrades and refunds whenever they make a wheelchair-access travel complaint, while others walk away with zero compensation? Truth be told, it’s all in the details. Knowing when to complain, how to complain and who to complain to are the keys to not only resolving the issue at hand, but also to receiving adequate compensation for your inconvenience. So the next time you encounter an access-related problem on the road, follow this roadmap for prompt resolution and adequate compensation.
A new United Airlines wheelchair sizer tool was recently unveiled. This digital tool enables wheelchair-users to select flights that can accommodate their specific assistive devices. Why is this important? Well, some larger wheelchairs will not fit through certain aircraft cargo doors without being titled to the side or back. And in some cases, tilting those wheelchairs could seriously damage them.
