DOT ANNUAL REPORT OF DISABILITY-RELATED COMPLAINTS IN 2024

December 4, 2024

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The Department requires carriers to submit an annual report summarizing all disability-related complaints received by the airline during the prior calendar year.  The report is to be submitted to DOT’s OACP on or before the last Monday in January.  This year’s report, covering calendar year 2024, is due no later than January 27, 2025.  If a carrier did not receive any written disability-related complaints in calendar year 2024, DOT still requires the carrier to submit a zero-report noting that no complaints were received.  The Department’s OACP has traditionally undertaken enforcement actions and subsequently penalized carriers that have failed to comply with the reporting requirements.  For instance, the Department’s OACP fined Etihad Airways $200,000 for failing to accurately report the number of disability-related complaints it received over several years (Consent Order 2022-11-7).  Carriers are advised to implement protocols that properly categorize passenger complaints as being disability-related complaints when applicable.  Please contact us if you have any questions on the submission process or require assistance in making your annual report.

This Aviation Blog is intended to keep readers current on developments in the law.  It is not intended to be legal advice. If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr at 202.659.6622 or esahr@eckertseamans.com; Drew Derco at 202-659-6665 or dderco@eckertseamans.com;  Jay Julien at 202.659.6648 or jjulien@eckertseamans.com, or  Tyler Myers at 202.659.6642 or tmyers@eckertseamans.com, or any other attorney at Eckert Seamans with whom you have been working.

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Evelyn D. Sahr Photo Washington, D.C.

Evelyn D. Sahr

Member - Washington, D.C.

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Drew M. Derco Photo Washington, D.C.

Drew M. Derco

Member - Washington, D.C.

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Jay Julien Photo Washington, D.C.

Jay Julien

Associate - Washington, D.C.

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Tyler R. Myers Photo Washington, D.C.

Tyler R. Myers

Associate - Washington, D.C.

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