The Biden administration is proposing a new rule that would make it easier for the government to penalize airlines for damaging or losing wheelchairs, automatically considering such incidents a violation of federal law on accessible air travel.
Additionally, the U.S. Transportation Department is calling for airlines to conduct annual training for employees responsible for handling wheelchairs or assisting passengers with disabilities.
The issue of damaged wheelchairs and scooters during air travel is significant, with the Transportation Department reporting that airlines mishandled 11,527 devices last year, a slight increase from 2022.
The proposed rule was unveiled at a White House event with advocates for people with disabilities. While there will be a 60-day public comment period on the proposal, the timeline for its final approval remains unclear.
Under the proposed rule, the Transportation Department could more easily impose fines of up to approximately $125,000 on airlines for damaging a wheelchair or delaying its return to the passenger at the end of a flight.
Passengers would also have the right to choose their preferred vendor to repair or replace a damaged wheelchair, with airlines required to cover the cost.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg described the proposal as the most significant expansion of rights for wheelchair users since 2008, stressing the importance of airlines treating disabled passengers with dignity.
Airlines for America, a trade group representing major U.S. carriers, stated that airlines are working with the government and disability groups to improve accessibility. However, the group did not provide specific comments on the proposed rule.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association praised the proposal for its provisions on employee training, standards for on-board wheelchairs, and the placement of personal wheelchairs closer to the aircraft door for exiting passengers.
Paul Melmeyer, the association’s vice president of public policy, expressed support for the potential imposition of significant fines for mishandling wheelchairs, emphasizing the need to incentivize airlines to reduce such incidents.
Buttigieg acknowledged that the proposal does not fully meet advocates’ ultimate goal of allowing disabled passengers to remain in their own wheelchairs during flights, as this would require modifications to aircraft cabins.
Featured Image: Unsplash
