“The Era Of Tolerating Poor Treatment of Airline Passengers w/ Disabilities is Over”

“DOT Slaps American Airlines with $50 Million Fine Over Mishandling of Disabled Passengers’ Needs”

American Airlines has come under fire after being hit with a record-breaking $50 million fine by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for violations against passengers with disabilities. The DOT’s investigation brought to light concerning practices by the airline, including a troubling lack of proper wheelchair assistance, which reportedly led to injuries and instances of undignified treatment for wheelchair users.

Among the report’s most alarming findings was American Airlines’ repeated failure to deliver prompt wheelchair assistance and proper care for mobility devices. DOT found that thousands of wheelchairs had been mishandled—some damaged, others delayed in return—leaving passengers without essential mobility. One traveler, Sumin from Dublin, Ohio, shared her experience in a ConsumerAffairs review, saying, “All I asked was that my wheelchair was to be ready at the door when I arrived… Nobody even thought to double check.” For Sumin, what should have been a seamless handover became a long, agonizing wait, threatening her next flight connection.

‘The Era Of Tolerating Poor Treatment of Airline Passengers w/ Disabilities is Over”

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the fine, saying, “The era of tolerating poor treatment of airline passengers with disabilities is over.” With this substantial penalty, the DOT aims to set a precedent for accountability, making it clear that civil rights violations against passengers with disabilities will not be treated as merely a “cost of doing business” for the airline industry.

Airlines Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights

The DOT has also launched new efforts to support and protect disabled travelers, including the release of the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights in 2022, outlining passengers’ rights and setting expectations for airlines in handling these cases. With the fine and its ongoing commitment to fair treatment, the DOT is pushing for real change in the travel experience for people with disabilities, reinforcing that their safety and dignity must no longer be overlooked.