Homepro Medical Supplies

American Airlines Gets Fined & Disability-Related Grievances Are On the Rise in Air Travel

In 2022, the Transportation Department established an Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights. Current federal regulations require that airlines:

• Return passengers’ wheelchairs and mobility devices to them in a timely manner, and in the condition in which they were received.
• Help passengers with disabilities get on and off aircraft and move through the airport.

How did they do? Not so great.

This fall, American Airlines has reached a historic $50 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) over violations of laws that protect passengers with disabilities. The investigation uncovered multiple issues, including instances where the airline provided unsafe assistance to passengers, leading to injuries and degrading treatment, particularly for wheelchair users. Additionally, the airline was found to have mishandled or damaged thousands of wheelchairs from 2019 to 2023, leaving passengers without their essential mobility devices. This settlement marks a significant step in holding airlines accountable for the treatment of disabled passengers.

The case gained further attention following a viral 2023 video showing American Airlines staff mishandling a passenger’s wheelchair, which resulted in widespread public outrage. The DOT emphasized that while such issues are not isolated to American Airlines, the carrier was among the worst performers in terms of wheelchair mishandling and overall compliance with disability-related regulations. U.S. Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, stated that the fine, along with ongoing investigations into other airlines, aims to set a higher standard of accountability across the industry and prevent similar abuses in the future.

As part of the settlement, American Airlines will pay a $25 million fine to the U.S. Treasury and invest an additional $25 million in improvements, including better tracking systems for mobility devices and enhanced equipment to reduce damage. The airline has also committed to improving the travel experience for passengers with disabilities, citing improvements such as the installation of wheelchair lifts at major airports and a reduction in mishandling rates for mobility devices. Despite the progress, the settlement underscores the ongoing need for better accommodations for disabled passengers, a need that has been amplified by rising disability-related grievances within the airline industry.

But does that help you now?

Record levels of travel are expected this Thanksgiving and holiday season and people with disabilities and mobility issues should not have to fear travel any more than an able-bodied people.

Here are several steps you can take to protect you wheelchair or mobility scooter and your rights when traveling with an airline:

1. Notify the airline in advance about mobility device needs and confirm special assistance requests.
2. Label mobility devices clearly with personal details and contact information.
3. Request a pre-flight inspection of your device to ensure it is properly secured.
4. Take photos or videos of the condition of your device before and after travel for documentation.
5. Familiarize yourself with your rights under the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights.

These actions help ensure better handling of their devices and reinforce their legal rights during air travel.

What if something still happens?

You can file a disability-related complaint with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) by:

• Calling the DOT’s disability hotline at 1-800-778-4838 (voice) or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY)
• Filing a complaint online at https://airconsumer.dot.gov/escomplaint/ConsumerForm.cfm
• Mailing a complaint to the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590
• Calling the DOT at 202-366-2220 with questions about your complaint

You can also:

• Ask to speak to the airline’s Complaint Resolution Official (CRO)
• Seek redress informally in writing from the airline
• Consider mediation through the ADA Mediation Program
• File a private legal action to obtain a monetary award of damages

The DOT can take action against airlines through settlements or formal hearings. Repeated violations may result in the revocation of the airline’s operating authority.

You can also get some tough equipment should it help. Here are a few mobility devices popular for travel and other purposes:

Travel Mobility Scooters

Pride Mobility’s Go Go® Carbon mobility scooter utilizes its lightweight carbon fiber frame to deliver outstanding portability in a four-wheel scooter. Weighing only 35 pounds without the lithium battery, it easily folds in seconds for effortless transport and storage. Its compact design allows it to be conveniently towed through airports and other spaces, much like luggage.

The Transformer 2 Automatic Electric Folding Scooter is one of the most innovative folding scooters available today, offering a combination of compactness, ease of use, and portability. It features fully automatic folding and unfolding with the convenience of a remote control, making it ultra-portable and ideal for travel. With a 300-pound weight capacity and the ability to travel up to 13.5 miles on a single charge, it’s perfect for use on aircraft and cruise ships, providing both versatility and reliability for users on the go.

Travel Power Wheelchair

The WHILL Model F Folding Power Wheelchair combines lightweight design, easy folding, and exceptional maneuverability, giving you the freedom to navigate your surroundings with enhanced independence. This model retains the advanced performance and smart technology WHILL is known for, now with a convenient foldable structure. It’s ideal for travel, easily fitting on buses, trains, planes, or in a car trunk. When not in use, the Model F can be effortlessly stored in a closet or tucked away in a corner, making it perfect for compact living spaces.

Plus, you can’t deny getting help up a curb is particularly nice!

Transport Chairs and Manual Wheelchairs

As for transport wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs for travel, it is hard to just recommend a couple without knowing the person as so much depends on height and weight. Give us a call to discuss what is right for you!

Call the Experts at Homepro

At Homepro Medical our goal has always been the same:  to provide mobility equipment that can get people back to living their best lives, safely and confidently. Give our experts a call today at (800) 437-3677  should you have any questions and safe travels! You deserve it!