In December 2024, a new federal rule was issued to protect travelers who use wheelchairs. After decades of advocacy, it was a major step forward in disability rights. Airlines would be required to replace lost or damaged wheelchairs, handle mobility equipment properly, train staff to assist disabled passengers, and improve support throughout the travel process.
This was designed to fix a long-standing problem. In 2023, US airlines mishandled more than 11,000 wheelchairs — double the damage rate of regular luggage. About 2 percent of all checked wheelchairs each month are broken, lost, or destroyed. When this happens, travelers are stranded and harmed.
Many in the disability community were hopeful. Wheelchair athlete Seth McBride said, “Those rules were a huge win for wheelchair users. It felt like the DOT was starting to listen to the disability community.”
Dashed Hopes for Disability Rights and Airline Travel
Now enforcement of the rule has been delayed. Major airlines have filed a lawsuit to block key parts of it. They argue they should not be held responsible if damage happens for reasons beyond their control.
Advocacy groups are pushing back. Paralyzed Veterans of America and others have asked the courts to keep the rule moving forward. As Heather Ansley of PVA said, “More delays mean more waiting for people with disabilities to have a safe travel opportunity.”
While parts of the rule are now in effect, progress is uneven. Travelers with disabilities still face big risks every time they fly. As United Spinal Association put it, “If a wheelchair user decides to travel by air, they are taking a calculated risk every time.”
This is about civil rights. Air travel must be safe and accessible for everyone.
You can help:
1. Share your travel story with #YesAccess #ShareYourStory #Disability
2. Contact your Representatives and ask them to support full enforcement of the rule
3. Tag airlines on social media and demand full access now
We must keep pushing for progress. No one should be left behind — on the ground or in the air.
For more information, visit Democracy Forward and the Paralyzed Veterans of America, or this article on the New York Times.
#YesAccess #ShareYourStory #Disability