Airlines Implement New Measures For Better Wheelchair Accessibility

Airplane taking off from runway in urban area

New regulations promise to enhance air travel for wheelchair users, but how will this unfold in practice?

At a Glance

The Biden Administration is implementing new regulations to improve air travel for passengers with mobility issues.
Airlines must now assist passengers during boarding and disembarking and provide detailed cargo information.
The new rules include provisions for loaner wheelchairs and reimbursements if equipment is mishandled.
Hefty fines are proposed for airlines mishandling wheelchairs, and training is mandated for airline staff.

Enhanced Air Travel Regulations

The Biden Administration has outlined a series of new regulations aimed at improving air travel for passengers with mobility impairments, focusing on the challenges wheelchair users face. These regulations come amidst increasing awareness of the complexities and indignities often experienced by these travelers, with new rules to be gradually implemented by 2026. All flights to, from, or within the United States will be subject to these regulations beginning January 16. Airlines are required to provide prompt assistance during boarding and deplaning.

Statistics reveal that 1 in every 100 wheelchairs or mobility scooters are mishandled on domestic flights. The Transportation Department reports such figures as shockingly high. New protocols will help protect these essential devices from damage while also ensuring passengers remain informed. By next December, airlines will need to notify passengers regarding the status of their mobility equipment, including steps to be taken in the event of misplacement or damage. These improvements aim to prevent any damage or unnecessary delays for wheelchair users.

Ensuring Dignity and Accountability

Under the new regulations, airlines must publish the dimensions of cargo holds on their websites, informing passengers of cargo space availability before travel. Additionally, airlines must now guarantee a way to bring personal wheelchairs close to the aircraft door. Airlines failing to adequately handle these responsibilities may face significant financial penalties. Some reports suggest fines could exceed $100,000 per incident. Temporary loans of mobility devices will be available to passengers when their original equipment is delayed or damaged.

“People don’t realize that this is a part of my body. If this is broken, you’ve broken my legs,” said Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth.

Airlines will reimburse ground transportation expenses if a mobility device is delayed and will offer free rebooking under these circumstances. By March, airlines must also inform passengers of their rights in cases of mishandling. These comprehensive changes are accompanied by mandated annual training for airline staff, which intends to increase the quality and sensitivity of the assistance provided to passengers with disabilities.

ICYMI—Our department is proposing big changes to ensure airline staff do better when it comes to accommodating passengers with wheelchairs. https://t.co/V5G2TC5dMV

— U.S. Department of Transportation (@USDOT) March 5, 2024

A Step Toward True Accessibility

While these regulations are a significant step, they do not allow passengers to stay in their wheelchairs during flights, a long-term goal for many advocates. Disability advocates have consistently emphasized the importance of mobility devices, underscoring that they should be treated as essential extensions of personal autonomy rather than mere luggage. Furthermore, removing obstacles to accessible travel could mean a reduction in the number of issues currently faced by over 11,000 wheelchair and scooter users who reported mishandling by airlines last year.

“This new rule would change the way airlines operate to ensure that travelers using wheelchairs can travel safely and with dignity,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Though some proposals have not been included in the current regulations, such as retaining wheelchairs during flights, these new rules represent a robust progression towards accessible travel. The public still has 60 days to comment on the proposals, ensuring various voices are heard. These future-oriented regulations serve as a foundation for discussions to support the ongoing journey towards a dignified air travel experience for everyone.