American Airlines fined $50 million for failing to protect wheelchair passengers_1
American Airlines has been found to repeatedly violate federal laws protecting individuals with disabilities, failing to provide necessary assistance to passengers in wheelchairs. As a result, the Department of Transportation has ordered the airline to pay a hefty fine of $50 million, as reported by CNN on October 23.
A joint investigation by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division uncovered multiple instances between 2019 and 2023 where American Airlines significantly infringed upon the rights of disabled passengers, sometimes leading to injuries. However, the DOT did not release specific data regarding these incidents.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the media, stating that thousands of wheelchairs were either mishandled or damaged by American Airlines, which caused significant safety concerns and considerable inconvenience to customers. He shared a troubling account from a disabled passenger who felt treated like “just a piece of luggage” and as a result, vowed never to fly with the airline again.
“But the bottom line is that the era of tolerating mistreatment of wheelchair passengers is over,” Buttigieg emphasized.
The DOT noted that the issues seen at American Airlines are not isolated, as complaints about improper handling of wheelchairs or inadequate assistance for wheelchair users are widespread. Furthermore, the DOT is investigating similar violations at other airlines.
As part of the settlement, American Airlines will pay $25 million in fines to the Treasury and will invest an additional $25 million to enhance facilities, minimize wheelchair damage, and implement a tracking system for checked wheelchairs. Passengers with disabilities who were harmed between 2019 and 2023 will also receive compensation.
In its statement, American Airlines mentioned that it has already spent $175 million this year on improving services, infrastructure, employee training, and new technology, resulting in a 20% improvement in the handling of wheelchairs and scooters since 2022.
The investigation was partly prompted by three formal complaints from Paralyzed Veterans of America. Investigators also confiscated video footage from Miami International Airport which showed an employee mishandling a wheelchair, allowing it to slide down a baggage carousel, collide with the bottom, overturn, and tumble across the concrete floor.
