
American Airlines faces a $50 million fine for mishandling wheelchairs and disabled passengers, a dramatic move in airline accountability.
At a Glance
- $50 million fine imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation on American Airlines for disability protection violations.
- Over 10,000 wheelchairs were mishandled from 2019 to 2023.
- American Airlines pledges $175 million for improvements.
- DOT investigates similar issues with other airlines.
The Landmark Fine
The U.S. Department of Transportation levied a hefty $50 million fine against American Airlines, holding the airline accountable for mistreating disabled passengers—a penalty 25 times higher than any preceding airline disability protection fine.
This fee marks 6% of American Airlines’ $822 million net profit for the fiscal year of 2023, underlining a significant financial repercussion for the massive mishandling of over 10,000 wheelchairs between 2019 to 2023.
Scope of Investigation
The DOT’s thorough investigation, spanning 2019 to 2023, uncovered an alarming number of complaints pointing to unsafe assistance and wheelchair mishandling by American Airlines. The investigations exposed how the airline fell short in meeting necessary safety standards. “We are pleased to see DOT making such a strong statement for how it will hold airlines accountable for jeopardizing the well-being of passengers with disabilities, particularly wheelchair and scooter users” said Carl Blake, the CEO of Paralyzed Veterans of America
American Airlines has begun implementing improvements that have reportedly enhanced their wheelchair handling efficiency by over 20% since 2022. Despite the improvements, complaints remain, highlighting the DOT’s resolve in enforcing the rights of travelers.
Reform and Reaction
The fine also includes a substantial $25 million payment to the U.S. Treasury and an additional $25 million that American Airlines has credited against future investments to rectify wheelchair handling processes. “Today’s agreement reaffirms American’s commitment to taking care of all of our customers” stated American Airlines senior vice president Julie Rath
In response, American Airlines has committed over $175 million to improve infrastructure, employee training, and technology that specifically caters to passengers requiring mobility assistance. These actions reflect a broader industry awakening toward passenger service responsibilities and the regulatory commitments mandated by the DOT.
The Wider Context
The implications of this landmark ruling extend beyond American Airlines. The Department of Transportation is actively investigating other airlines for similar infractions. Emerging federal regulations aim to criminalize the mishandling of wheelchairs by airlines, demanding annual training for compliance.
A notable case involved a wheelchair damaged at Miami International Airport, capturing public attention. These incidents have prompted regulatory attention, reaffirming that disabilities protections are a significant issue in air travel.