The US Department of Transportation (DOT) under Secretary Pete Buttigieg has announced new protections for travelers with disabilities. Under a new rule, expanding rights for disabled travelers, and a guide for airlines and airport workers, safe, dignified travel will be ensured for those who are disabled.
US DOT Announces New Protections For Travelers With Disabilities
As reported by CNN, Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the US Department of Transportation have issued new protections for disabled travelers. The new rule, which forms part of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), goes into effect on January 16, 2025.
Moreover, it sets new standards for assistance and requires hands-on training for airline employees and contractors. It also sets rules as to how an airline will act to protect the passenger when a wheelchair is delayed or damaged during transport.
Reportedly, around 5.5 million Americans use a wheelchair, and the new ruling is seen as a big win for disabled travelers. While making the announcement, Secretary Buttigieg said:
Every passenger deserves safe, dignified travel when they fly – and we’ve taken unprecedented actions to hold airlines accountable when they do not provide fair treatment to passengers with disabilities.
With the new protections we’re announcing today, we’re establishing a new standard for air travel – with clear and thorough guidelines for airlines to ensure that passengers using wheelchairs can travel safely and with dignity.
What does the new rule require from airlines?
Under the new rule, airlines are required to provide “safe and dignified assistance” to travelers with disabilities and clear definitions as to what this looks like. A new requirement is included for annual training for airline employees and contractors who assist disabled travelers and handle mobility aids. Moreover, competency tests and certifications will now be required and airlines and contractors have until June 17, 2026, to train their employees.
Meanwhile, the new rule also requires “prompt enplaning, deplaning, and connecting assistance from airlines.” This also includes keeping the passenger’s wheelchair close to the door of the aircraft, if required.
Keeping checked wheelchairs and mobility aids in good condition
Meanwhile, airlines are also required to return all checked wheelchairs and mobility aids to disabled passengers “in the condition in which they are received.”
However, if this is not the case, the airline violates the law under the ACAA and is required to address it. Moreover, the new rule requires airlines to notify a passenger about the mishandling.
How travelers with disabilities can address the issue
In the case of potential mishandling, travelers have the right to contact a Complaint Resolution official and this is now required under a pre-departure rule that airlines must inform passengers when wheelchairs or mobility aids are checked.
In the case of mishandling, travelers can file a claim with the airline and receive a loaner wheelchair from the airline. They can also choose a preferred vendor for device repairs or replacement and contact the Complaint Resolution Official. Moreover, all repairs are to be paid for by the airline.
Meanwhile, airlines are now required to promptly return a delayed wheelchair or scooter to the disabled traveler’s home or hotel within 24 hours of arrival with domestic and short-haul international flights. Alternatively, this must happen within 30 hours of arrival for long international flights. Furthermore, airlines are required to pay for accessible ground transport for travelers with delayed mobility devices.
Great strides taken for travelers with disabilities
As part of the Biden Administration, the Transportation Department under Secretary Buttigieg has made great strides in the protection of travelers with disabilities.
The department created the first-ever Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, under which American Airlines was fined a historic $50 million for mishandling disabled passengers and their mobility aids. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Airport Terminals Program, 150 new projects have received funding to make airports more accessible across the country.
Moreover, it also created plans for aircraft to allow travelers in wheelchairs to remain in their chairs for the duration of their flight. Furthermore, a new rule was set for all new aircraft to feature bathrooms with sufficient space for a disabled traveler and an assistant.
