Overview

• The Biden administration has introduced a proposal to make mishandling wheelchairs an automatic violation of federal law, enabling easier fines for airlines.
• Airlines could face fines up to $125,000 for damaging or delaying the return of wheelchairs, with the proposal also mandating annual employee training.
• In 2023, over 11,000 wheelchairs and scooters were reported mishandled by airlines, highlighting a growing issue in air travel accessibility.
• The proposal includes rights for passengers to choose their repair vendor and aims for better on-board wheelchair standards and lavatory sizes.
• Disability advocates and groups have praised the initiative, though achieving the goal of allowing passengers to stay in their own wheelchairs during flights is acknowledged as a long-term challenge.