American Airlines Faces Record $50 Million Fine for Disability Violations

The U.S. Department of Transportation penalizes American Airlines for mishandling wheelchairs and providing unsafe assistance to disabled passengers.

American Airlines has been fined $50 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation for violations related to the mistreatment of disabled passengers from 2019 to 2023.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated that the fine is 25 times larger than any previous penalty for disability-related violations.
The airline reportedly mishandled thousands of wheelchairs, causing delays and damages, and failed to provide safe and dignified assistance to passengers with disabilities.
American Airlines claims to have reduced the mishandling rate of wheelchairs and scooters by 20% since 2022 and invested over $175 million in improving services and infrastructure.
Advocacy groups are urging the finalization of new rules to ensure safe accommodations for air travelers with disabilities, highlighting that the issue extends beyond American Airlines.