American Airlines was fined $50 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation for mistreating passengers with disabilities. The DOT found serious violations over a four-year period, including unsafe physical assistance and damaging or delaying wheelchairs. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated that the era of tolerating poor treatment of passengers with disabilities is over, setting a new standard of accountability for airlines.
During a meeting in Washington, disability advocates, including Thomas Braddy and Senator Tammy Duckworth, spoke about the challenges they face when airlines mishandle their wheelchairs. Senator Duckworth, who lost both legs in the Iraq War, emphasized that a wheelchair is like a part of her body and that airlines have routinely damaged her wheelchairs. She highlighted the importance of addressing these issues to prevent further mistreatment.
American Airlines responded by stating their commitment to serving passengers with disabilities and investing $175 million in services, infrastructure, training, and technology to improve their journey. The airline reported receiving over eight million requests for wheelchair assistance in 2023, with less than 0.1% of customers submitting disability-related complaints. Senior Vice President Julie Rath expressed American’s dedication to taking care of all customers.
The DOT noted that similar violations are not unique to American Airlines and that they are actively investigating other U.S. airlines for mistreating passengers with disabilities. The department aims to hold airlines accountable and prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.
Overall, the fine imposed on American Airlines sends a clear message that mistreatment of passengers with disabilities will not be tolerated. It underscores the importance of upholding the civil rights of all passengers and ensuring a safe and dignified travel experience for everyone, regardless of their disabilities. The involvement of advocacy groups and lawmakers in raising awareness about these issues is crucial in driving positive change within the airline industry and promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all travelers.
