New Federal Rule Aims to Improve Air Travel for Passengers with Disabilities
Air travel for people with disabilities is set to become safer, more dignified, and better regulated under new rules announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Beginning January 16, 2025, airlines will face stricter requirements to ensure passengers with disabilities, particularly those using wheelchairs, receive the care and respect they deserve.
Addressing Longstanding Issues
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that every passenger deserves fair and dignified treatment when flying, but mishandling of wheelchairs and inadequate assistance has long been a problem. According to DOT data, about 1 in every 100 wheelchairs or mobility scooters checked on domestic flights is damaged, delayed, or lost, leaving passengers without vital equipment and independence.
“Every passenger deserves safe, dignified travel when they fly,” Buttigieg said. “With these new protections, we’re setting a higher standard for airlines, ensuring passengers using wheelchairs can travel safely, comfortably, and with their dignity intact.”
Many travelers with disabilities avoid air travel altogether due to fears that their mobility devices will be mishandled. This new rule aims to change that.
Key Changes Under the New Rule
Here are the most significant updates airlines must follow to comply with the new federal standards:
1. Proper Assistance and Training
- Airline staff must annually train in assisting passengers with disabilities, including handling wheelchairs and mobility devices.
- Staff must prove their qualifications through competency assessments or certification exams to ensure they can provide safe and respectful assistance.
2. Timely and Dignified Support
- Passengers with disabilities must receive prompt help when boarding, deplaning, or navigating through airport terminals.
- Assistance must be provided in a way that respects passengers’ privacy, independence, and autonomy while minimizing any risk of injury.
3. Protecting Mobility Devices
- Airlines are required to return checked wheelchairs and assistive devices in the same condition they were received. If a device is damaged or lost, the new rule outlines clear steps airlines must take to resolve the issue quickly.
A Push for Better Accessibility
The new regulations build on the DOT’s recent efforts to improve air travel for passengers with disabilities:
- In 2022, the DOT introduced the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, a document outlining travelers’ rights and airlines’ responsibilities.
- In 2023, the DOT finalized a rule requiring airline lavatories on single-aisle aircraft to be accessible for passengers with disabilities.
- The department also fined American Airlines $50 million for violating existing laws related to passenger rights.
A Step Toward Inclusive Travel
The upcoming rule marks an important step forward for air travel accessibility, particularly for the 5.5 million Americans who use wheelchairs. With clearer guidelines, airlines will now face greater accountability to ensure all passengers receive equal and respectful treatment.
Secretary Buttigieg’s message is clear: air travel must be accessible for everyone. These measures aim to restore confidence among travelers with disabilities and make flying a smoother experience for all.
For those planning trips in 2025 and beyond, the DOT’s efforts promise a more inclusive and accommodating future in the skies.
