Accessible air travel should be a right, not a privilege. However, for wheelchair users, flying can be a nightmare due to frequent mishandling of mobility devices. Every trip comes with an underlying fear: Will my wheelchair make it in one piece?
Unlike lost luggage, a damaged or broken wheelchair isn’t just an inconvenience. It can mean losing mobility and independence. It may even cause someone to miss out on travel altogether.
Recently, the Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced regulations to address these issues. These rules aim to hold airlines accountable for how they handle mobility devices. However, instead of embracing these improvements, major U.S. airlines are pushing back, trying to roll back these critical protections.
If they succeed, it won’t just affect disabled travelers today. It could also set a precedent. Such a precedent would make future accessible air travel even harder to achieve.
What the Biden-Era Regulations Do to Improve Accessible Air Travel
To improve air travel for disabled passengers, the DOT introduced several new requirements. Specifically, these regulations require airlines to:
- Improve training for airline personnel and contractors handling wheelchairs.
- Provide real-time tracking of mobility devices during loading and unloading.
- Be held accountable for damages or mishandling of essential mobility equipment.
The Reality of Flying as a Wheelchair User: Why Accessible Air Travel Matters
For wheelchair users, air travel often comes with unnecessary risks. If a power wheelchair is lost or damaged, the consequences are severe. It is not just a minor setback. It can leave someone stranded without mobility. Unlike suitcases, mobility devices are custom-fitted for their users, meaning repairs or replacements can take weeks or even months.
For this reason, I personally avoid flying whenever possible. For instance, when I traveled to Seattle for a cruise, I took Amtrak. I chose it instead of flying because I couldn’t take the chance that my wheelchair would arrive damaged. If that had happened, I wouldn’t have been able to board the ship or enjoy my trip.
No one should have to plan their travel around whether an airline will handle their essential mobility device properly.
A Dangerous Slippery Slope for Accessible Air Travel
Unfortunately, if airlines succeed in overturning these regulations, it could open the door for them. They may challenge other crucial accessibility improvements. This would make an already difficult travel experience even worse for disabled passengers. Some of the improvements currently under discussion include:
- More wheelchair-accessible airplane bathrooms, which would allow passengers with disabilities to use the restroom without unnecessary struggle.
- In-cabin wheelchair seating would allow wheelchair users to remain in their chairs. This prevents the need to store them below the plane, where damage is likely.
If airlines succeed in rolling back current protections, they may argue that future accessibility improvements are too costly or inconvenient. This is why it is essential to push back now.
How You Can Take Action to Protect Accessible Air Travel
- Stay informed. Follow updates on DOT regulations and share information widely.
- Speak out. If you or someone you know has experienced issues with airline accessibility, share your story with me here.
- Contact your representatives. Advocate for stronger disability rights in air travel to prevent airlines from rolling back accessibility improvements.
Disability Advocacy Groups Fighting for Change
- Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) – Advocates for accessible travel, especially for veterans.
- National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) – Works on legal and policy advocacy for disability rights.
- United Spinal Association – Pushes for better airline policies, including in-cabin wheelchair seating.
- Air Travel Accessibility Coalition – Focused on improving airline accessibility and holding airlines accountable.
Sources
Disclosure: The feature image for this article was AI-generated. Key phrases from this post were used to create a visual representation of the topic.
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