How Will New Rules Transform Air Travel for Wheelchair Users?

Biden Administration unveils new regulations to enhance air travel for wheelchair users, but some advocates say more needs to be done.

At a Glance

New regulations aim to improve air travel for passengers with mobility issues, focusing on wheelchairs
Airlines must assist passengers with boarding and disembarking, ensuring personal wheelchairs are brought close to the aircraft door
The Transportation Department reports that 1 in 100 wheelchairs or mobility scooters are damaged, delayed, or lost on domestic flights
Regulations will be implemented in stages, with some taking effect as early as January 16, 2025
Disability advocates emphasize the importance of wheelchairs as essential mobility devices, not just luggage

New Protections for Wheelchair Users in Air Travel

The Biden Administration has announced a series of new regulations aimed at dramatically improving air travel for wheelchair users. These regulations, set to begin implementation on January 16, 2025, will apply to all flights to, from, or within the United States. The move comes in response to ongoing concerns about the treatment of passengers with disabilities and the frequent mishandling of mobility devices by airlines.

According to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, these new rules are designed to set a higher standard for air travel, ensuring that passengers using wheelchairs can travel safely and with dignity. The regulations cover a wide range of issues, from boarding assistance to the handling of mobility devices and compensation for damages.

ICYMI—Our department is proposing big changes to ensure airline staff do better when it comes to accommodating passengers with wheelchairs. https://t.co/V5G2TC5dMV

— U.S. Department of Transportation (@USDOT) March 5, 2024

Key Changes in Airline Responsibilities

Under the new regulations, airlines will be required to provide more robust customer service to passengers with mobility challenges. This includes assisting passengers with boarding and disembarking and ensuring that personal wheelchairs are brought as close to the aircraft door as possible. Airlines must also publish cargo hold dimensions on their websites to help travelers determine if their mobility devices are compatible with the aircraft.

“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,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

In cases where mobility equipment is damaged or delayed, airlines will be required to reimburse ground transportation costs, offer free rebooking, and provide loaner wheelchairs. Passengers will also have a reasonable time to inspect and file claims for damaged equipment. These measures aim to address the alarming statistic that 1 in 100 wheelchairs or mobility scooters are damaged, delayed, or lost on domestic flights.

Implementation Timeline and Training Requirements

The regulations will be implemented in stages, with some taking effect immediately and others being phased in over the next two years. By March 17, airlines must inform passengers of their rights in writing if devices are mishandled and provide status updates on delayed devices. June 16 marks the deadline for airlines to transport delayed devices to the passenger’s final destination within specific time frames.

Secretary Buttigieg also said, “Transportation is still inaccessible for far too many people, and that’s certainly true for aviation. This is about making sure that all Americans can travel safely and with dignity.”

A crucial component of the new regulations is the requirement for airline staff to receive annual training to support passengers with disabilities and handle mobility equipment. This training, which must be implemented by summer 2026, is designed to ensure that airline employees are equipped to provide appropriate assistance and handle mobility devices with care.

Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, herself a user of wheelchairs, said, “People don’t realize that this is a part of my body. If this is broken, you’ve broken my legs.”

Advocacy and Future Considerations

While these regulations represent a significant step forward, some disability advocates argue that more needs to be done. The proposal does not include allowing passengers to remain in their wheelchairs during flights, which is seen as a long-term goal by many in the disability community. Additionally, the public has been given 60 days to comment on the proposed rules, potentially leading to further refinements.

The Biden Administration’s new regulations aim to address longstanding issues faced by wheelchair users in air travel. By setting clear guidelines and imposing stricter requirements on airlines, these changes are expected to significantly improve the travel experience for passengers with mobility challenges. However, as the implementation process unfolds, continued advocacy and dialogue between government officials, airlines, and disability rights groups will be crucial in ensuring that these regulations effectively meet the needs of all travelers.