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…
Commentary: 3 Takeaways from the DOT’s $50 Million American Airlines Fine
American Airlines Fined $50 Million for Mistreating Wheelchair Riders, Mobility Devices
Department of Transportation fine is the largest penalty assessed against an airline for violating disability regulations.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined American Airlines $50 million for mistreating passengers using wheelchairs, and for mishandling those passengers’ wheelchairs and other mobility equipment. The DOT made the announcement in late October and noted that the fine “is 25 times larger than any previous DOT penalty against an airline for violating disability…
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…
Airbnb Partners with United Spinal for Entrepreneurship Academy Webinar
Webinar will focus on hosting wheelchair-accessible homes.
Airbnb has partnered with United Spinal Association on an Entrepreneurship Academy webinar on hosting accessible homes. “Turn your space into a source of income and help make travel more accessible to travelers who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices,” Airbnb said in describing the webinar. “Join our free Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, in partnership with United…
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…
Briefly: United Airlines Debuts a Cushion Program; OT Becomes First Woman to Qualify for USAWR Team
Featuring United Airlines, Permobil, and USA Wheelchair Rugby.
United Airlines Testing Permobil Cushion at Houston Intercontinental United Airlines is testing a Permobil wheelchair seat cushion at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, its hub in Houston. In a March 28 press release, United detailed several ways it’s attempting to improve travel experiences for people who use wheelchairs, including those whose wheelchairs are damaged during transit…
Numotion, United Spinal Collaborate with United Airlines on Wheelchair Fit Tool
Wheelchair riders can check a flight’s ability to accommodate their mobility devices.
A new tool on the United Airlines app that helps wheelchair riders to find flights that best fit their mobility devices is the result of a collaboration among the airlines, Numotion and United Spinal Association. “United Airlines has launched a new digital tool on its app and united.com that makes it easier for customers who…
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…