You may have heard about the case in which a prominent disabled traveler in a wheelchair was removed from a flight.

If you have accessibility issues, what are your rights when you fly?

In this situation, US Airways told a wheelchair user that he couldn’t fly.

Their reasoning? He wasn’t able to physically assist himself in the event of an emergency evacuation, and didn’t have a companion who could assist him.

According to the airline’s rules, that companion must purchase his or her own ticket.

But here’s where it gets interesting: according to the Department of Transportation, if the passenger can explain how he or she is capable of traveling independently, and the airline staff disagrees, the attendant actually flies without charge.

Or, the carrier may provide an assistant for the passenger, like an off-duty crew member.

Of course, policies vary by airline. The passenger who was kicked off US Airways did reach his destination … on Delta, which doesn’t require an attendant.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

Research your airline’s policies in advance, and pick up the phone to verify it.

When booking a flight, inform the airline that you’re traveling with a wheelchair and then get to the airport early to confirm it with the gate agent.

Disabled travelers can get a lot more information in our Accessible Travel section.

And check out the rest of our Daily Travel Tips here.