FAA FACT SHEET

Prepared by the FAA Office of Civil Rights

Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Sex or Creed

This Fact Sheet is intended to address questions and concerns about the travel of persons and potential discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or creed as it relates to airports and airlines.  In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, security measures have been heightened for the safety of all.  While safety and security are the highest priorities, of equal importance is a smooth, and safe experience for all individuals as their journey takes them through the aviation system. 

Protecting the constitutional and civil rights of the American public remains one of our highest priorities.  None of the new security measures decrease the responsibility of airports and airlines to enforce 1) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the implementing regulations, 49 CFR Part 21 and 14 CFR 271.9 and 2) 49 U.S.C. 41702, regarding discrimination.  Federal civil rights laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of a person’s race color, national origin, religion, and sex. 

However, everyone may experience some inconveniences and delays while the nation adjusts to the new security reality.  You may be asked to exhibit an increased level of cooperation in security searches with today’s new security regulations.  Please assist the security staff in accomplishing their required tasks.  Private security screening requests should be accommodated when possible.  Just as there can be no discrimination against people on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or creed, there can be no compromise to the commitment and enforcement of safety and security standards in the aviation community. 

For general information and inquiries on the air traveler with respect to a discrimination complaint, the following contacts, web sites and e-mail addresses have been identified:

• For airline or airport problems, contact the Customer Relations or Consumer Affairs office of that airline or airport. 

• The U.S. Department of Transportation’s e-mail address to register your concern about airline service when experiencing air travel service problems regarding discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation is: airconsumer@ost.dot.gov.  Complaint forms for downloading or printing are available at www.dot.gov/airconsumer/problems.htm. 

• Federal Aviation Administration web site for general information for the air traveler on equal opportunity matters.  www.faa.gov/acr/acrhome.htm

• The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) helps employers and labor unions guard against unlawful discrimination and investigates incidents regarding workplace discrimination against innocent individuals because of their religion, ethnicity, or country of origin.  Two web sites to assist you are: www.eeoc.gov and www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-relig_ethnic.html.  The EEOC’s Publications Distribution Center has an information sheet available at 800/669-3362 (voice) or 800/800-3302 (TTY).  To contact the Commission office nearest you, please call 800/669-4000 (voice) or 800/669-6820 (TTY).  The email address is ofo@eeoc.gov and the phone number is 202/663-4599. 

• The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division National Origin Working Group combats discrimination by receiving reports of violations, conducting outreach to vulnerable communities to provide information, and working with other Department of Justice components and agencies.  Visit www.usdoj.gov/discrimination. 

While we are hopeful that contacting and coordinating with the airline and/or airport in advance will make your trip a smooth one, we realize that things do not always go as planned.  As an air traveler, if you feel that you have been treated in a discriminatory manner and in a way inconsistent with the safe carriage of all passengers, you may file a complaint against the airline or airport owner.  Complaints on discrimination matters regarding race, color, national origin, sex or creed should be filed with the following:

· Complaints and concerns against airlines in providing air transportation regarding discrimination against persons based on race, color or national origin, should be directed to:

Aviation Consumer Protection Division (C-75)

Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement

                  and proceedings 

Department of Transportation, 400 7^th Street, SW, Room 4116

Washington, DC 20590

· Complaints and concerns against 1) businesses serving the public on the airport property regarding discrimination, or 2) against an airport operator/owner in providing services at the airport or in airport programs regarding discrimination against persons, should be directed to:

Office of Civil Rights

Federal Aviation Administration

Room 1030

800 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20591

· Complaints and concerns regarding discrimination based on race, color, national origin or sex in programs or activities of federally assisted entities, or in the provision of public accommodations, should be directed to:

U.S. Department of Justice

Civil Rights Division

Coordination and Review Section

P.O. Box 66560

Washington, DC 20035-6560

We are hopeful this Fact Sheet will help make your travel experience a smooth and enjoyable one.  The FAA continues to be serious about its commitment to fair treatment for all persons using the air transportation system in the United States and wants your journey to be both safe and enjoyable.