DOT EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR PART 382 INFORMATION COLLECTION
October 13, 2015
On November 12, 2013, the Department published a final rule amending 14 C.F.R. part 382, to require airlines to ensure that their websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Among numerous other requirements, the final rule established the following two new information collection requirements: (1) by December 12, 2015, carriers must provide an online mechanism for passengers to request disability accommodation services (e.g., enplaning/deplaning assistance, deaf/hard of hearing communication assistance, escort to service animal relief area, etc.) for a particular flight; and (2) by December 12, 2016, carriers must ensure that when a user activates a link on a carrier’s primary Web site to embedded third-party software or to an external Web site, a disclaimer is displayed notifying the user that the application or web site may not be accessible.
DOT provided 60 days for interested parties to submit comments on either (or both) of these new information collection requirements. The Department received no comments and has elected to extend the comment period for an additional 30 days to give the public additional time to comment.
Comments are now due by October 28, 2015.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).