Quantcast

US airlines challenge USDOT wheelchair damage rule

Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
50 New Routes Launching In April 2025
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
US airlines challenge USDOT wheelchair damage rule
Policy
Webp received 1148763789987345
Paul R. Archambeault Senior Vice President, Chief Financial and Operating Officer | Airlines for America

Airlines for America (A4A), a trade association and lobbying group based in Washington DC, has joined forces with several major US airlines to challenge a rule implemented by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regarding wheelchair damage. The lawsuit filed against the DOT claims that the existing regulation is "unlawful."

The rule in question was introduced last year by Pete Buttigieg, then-Transportation Secretary of the United States, aiming to ensure that wheelchairs are handled with care. It classified mishandling as losing, delaying, damaging, or stealing wheelchairs or other mobility devices. This measure was intended to hold airlines accountable for incidents where passengers' wheelchairs are damaged during transit and to establish new safety standards.

Mother Jones reported that the rule emerged from collaboration between Pete Buttigieg and disability rights advocates, including Samantha Jade Duràn, whose wheelchair suffered damage in 2017 when transported in an aircraft's cargo hold. Despite these efforts, several major US airlines have taken legal action against the rule.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines have filed a lawsuit with the United States Court of Appeals against the Department of Transportation. They argue collectively with Airlines for America that: "The Court should 'hold unlawful and set aside' the Rule, in whole or in part because provisions of the Rule exceed the DOT's statutory authority and the Rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act."

Although proposed in February 2024, it was officially issued on December 17th. The petition against it was filed on February 14th. While new Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pledged support for legislation enhancing air travel accessibility amid policy changes following Biden-era regulations.

Notably among those challenging this ruling is American Airlines. Last year saw American fined $50 million by DOT due to severe violations concerning passengers with reduced mobility between 2019-2023. Then-Secretary Buttigieg commented: "by setting penalties at levels beyond a mere cost of doing business for airlines we're aiming to change how industry behaves."

In October American reached settlement terms promising improvements regarding customer experiences involving wheelchairs; however alongside fellow carriers they seek reversals over accountability aspects related specifically towards damages caused during transport though according Disability Scoop they do not oppose entire rule but only certain provisions therein.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the launch of a new daily passenger service to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Jul 16, 2025

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of services to seven new destinations—Almaty, Baku, Bucharest, Medina, Tashkent, Tbilisi, and Yerevan—beginning in November 2025.

Jul 16, 2025

Airlines for America has emphasized the need for increased funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hire more air traffic controllers, update infrastructure, and build on the One Big Beautiful Bill down payment.

Jul 16, 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced a complete closure of Aviation Boulevard between Arbor Vitae Street and Century Boulevard from July 14 at 9 a.m. to July 21 at 6 a.m. Shuttle access to the LAX/Metro Transit Center will remain...

Jul 16, 2025

Avianca has announced the launch of a social media thread on X, inviting travelers to explore Dallas as a new destination.

Jul 16, 2025

Finnair announced that Palta and the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (IAU) have reached a negotiation result, leading to the cancellation of all previously announced strikes and the resumption of normal flight operations.

Jul 16, 2025