Airline employees and contractors who physically assist passengers with disabilities and their wheelchairs or scooters must now receive annual hands-on training. The final rule was announced Dec. 16, 2024, by Pete Buttigieg, who at that time was secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The training requirement in the “Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air…
DOT: Education Now Mandatory for Airline Employees Handling Wheelchairs, People with Disabilities
Airchair II Transport Chair Launches for US Airline Use
The new wheelchair conforms to Department of Transportation requirements.
A new folding-frame transport wheelchair is now available for use on airplanes in the United States. The Airchair II, launched in mid August, is constructed of high-strength aluminum alloy and features antimicrobial powder coating on the frame. It has a 550-lb. (250-kg) weight capacity while weighing just 15 lbs. (6.8 kg) itself. The wheelchair’s rear…
Briefly: United Spinal Launches Health Access Group; Travel Insurance Company Names Best, Worst Airlines for Handling Wheelchairs
Featuring United Spinal Association and InsureMyTrip.
United Spinal Launches Health Access Working Group United Spinal Association is seeking members for its new Health Access Working Group, created to “advocate for improving access to health-care services for the disability community.” Members will work together “to identify health-care accessibility problems, key obstacles and societal barriers that prevent people with disabilities access to the…
Airlines Sue Over DOT Rule Strengthening Protections for Wheelchair Riders
The rule, which began taking effect in January, holds airlines accountable for wheelchair damage and delays.
Five U.S. airlines have filed a lawsuit asking the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (New Orleans) to review the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers for Disabilities Using Wheelchairs rule. On Feb. 18, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways Corp., Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines asked the court…
DOT Final Rule: Airlines Required to ‘Meet More Rigorous Standards’ for Passengers with Disabilities
Starting in January, airlines will have additional standards for handling wheelchairs and supporting passengers.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a new final rule that includes “new protections for people with disabilities in commercial air travel that will ensure that they can fly safely and with dignity.” A Dec. 16 DOT announcement from DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg added that the new, “more rigorous standards” applied “especially for…
Commentary: 3 Takeaways from the DOT’s $50 Million American Airlines Fine
Why this historic penalty could change the way airlines treat wheelchair riders and their equipment.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined American Airlines $50 million, saying in an October announcement that the carrier “failed to provide safe, dignified, and prompt wheelchair assistance and mishandled passengers’ wheelchairs.” This is hardly the first time airlines’ poor treatment of wheelchair riders and their equipment has made the news. But this particular DOT…
Briefly: Fall Management, Fire Preparedness Studies Announced; American Airlines Debuts Mobility Device Tagging System
Featuring the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and American Airlines.
Participants Sought for Fire Preparedness, Fall Management Studies of Wheelchair Riders The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking wheelchair riders, age 18 or older, to participate in a pair of research studies. The first study — funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research —involves the university’s development of “a wearable…
Briefly: DOT Extends Airplane Comment Period; World MS Day Is Today
Featuring the Department of Transportation and multiple sclerosis advocacy organizations worldwide.
DOT Extends Comment Period for Wheelchair Riders on Airplanes The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is extending the deadline for people to submit comments to the DOT’s proposed rule “Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs.” The new deadline to submit comments is June 12. “The Department received a joint request for…
Canadian Government to Launch National Air Accessibility Summit in May
Wheelchair riders have been vocal about airlines severely damaging their wheelchairs and seating.
Canada’s federal government plans to host its first National Air Accessibility Summit in May in Ottawa. A March 18 news announcement said the summit will be cohosted by Pablo Rodriguez, the Canadian Minister of Transport, and Kamal Khera, the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities. “The government of Canada continues to work towards…
