Airline travel in 2025 is set to become more dignified for passengers with disabilities under a new Department of Transportation rule.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Monday announced enhanced protections for people with disabilities traveling on commercial airlines. The new regulations are aimed in particular at protecting passengers who use wheelchairs, after a series of violations of existing laws by airlines.
For example, the new rule requires training for airlines workers responsible for physically assisting passengers with disabilities and handling their wheelchairs. It also outlines steps airlines must take if they damage or misplace a passenger’s wheelchair — all in an effort to make the skies friendlier for the roughly 5.5 million Americans use a wheelchair.
DOT data shows that one in every 100 wheelchairs or scooters transported on domestic flights is damaged, delayed, or lost.
Setting a new standard
Indeed, when a passenger is unable to access or use their mobility device, they’re effectively deprived of their freedom until it’s returned or replaced.
Concern over airlines’ mishandling of records leads many passengers with disabilities to avoid air travel altogether, research has shown.
New federal rule seeks to improve airline travel for people with disabilities
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