DOT unveils enhanced safeguards for air travelers experiencing disabilities
The upcoming regulation necessitates airlines to adhere to criteria for "safe and respectful" aid to passengers with disabilities, notably those utilizing wheelchairs. This includes an annual training session, with practical exercises for personnel and contractors who aid passengers and manage wheelchairs. By June 17, 2026, all necessary training must be completed.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg mentioned in a press release,"Every traveler deserves secure and respectful air travel, and we've taken unprecedented steps to penalize airlines for failing to provide equal treatment to disabled passengers."
The rule also underlines the importance of timely assistance for passengers with disabilities during boarding, disembarking, and transfers. For instance, help should be available as soon as the final passenger without aid has left the plane.
In September, around 1.1% of wheelchairs and scooters were mismanaged, information revealed by the latest Air Travel Consumer Report by the Department of Transportation. The new regulation also requires substitute wheelchairs or scooters for the mismanaged ones and adds extra safeguards for passengers in case of loss or damage.
While several airlines offer pre-boarding assistance or other aid for disabled passengers, numerous complaints have been raised with the DOT regarding delays, inadequate care, and faulty wheelchairs.
Recently, American Airlines was fined $50 million following a joint investigation by several regulatory bodies, which revealed repeated infractions of rules designed to safeguard passengers using wheelchairs.
American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines all offer information on their sites regarding assistance for disabled passengers.
CNN’s Pete Muntean contributed to this report.
In light of the new regulation, travelers can expect improved news about airline compliance with disability aid, such as timely assistance and proper management of wheelchairs. Furthermore, the rising number of travel-related news stories may discuss the impact of these regulations on airline companies and their treatment of passengers with disabilities.
