No matter how much you fly, there’s no denying that air travel can be stressful. But for people who have disabilities and use mobility devices like wheelchairs, it has the potential to be not only hectic but also uncomfortable, unsafe and downright disrespectful.

A few years ago, two United States senators introduced the Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights, and now the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) is establishing even more rights for passengers flying with disabilities. This new rule significantly raises the standard for how airlines must accommodate people with disabilities, ensuring they fly safely and with dignity throughout their journey.

Keep reading to learn more about the DOT’s latest protections for disabled travelers and why the ruling is a game-changer for fliers with disabilities.

Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more travel, tech, humor, cleaning and fun facts all week long.

What’s this new rule all about?

The DOT’s latest move makes it mandatory for airlines to meet higher standards when accommodating air travelers who have disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Once the rule goes into effect, everyone who works for an airline and helps physically assist passengers with disabilities—from airline employees to contractors—will be required to take hands-on training to level up their disability etiquette and ensure passengers and their devices are handled safely and correctly.

The new air-travel protections also tackle damaged disability-assistance devices head-on. Under the new rule, airlines will have to take action to protect air travelers in the event that their wheelchair or other mobility device is damaged in transit.

“Every passenger deserves safe, dignified travel when they fly—and we’ve taken unprecedented actions to hold airlines accountable when they do not provide fair treatment to passengers with disabilities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a press release. “With the new protections we’re announcing today, we’re establishing a new standard for air travel—with clear and thorough guidelines for airlines to ensure that passengers using wheelchairs can travel safely and with dignity.”

Why is this rule so important?

An estimated 5.5 million people in the United States use wheelchairs. For them, air travel has historically been more challenging—if not outright inaccessible and unsafe.

Just look at airlines’ past treatment of mobility devices like wheelchairs. These essential tools have had a relatively high likelihood of being damaged, delayed or lost during transit. The end result: Disabled passengers experience mobility and health issues, leaving them severely impacted until their device is returned or replaced.

It’s such a significant issue that the DOT stepped in earlier this year to penalize one problematic airline. The department issued a $50 million penalty against American Airlines for its mishandling of wheelchairs and mistreatment of passengers with disabilities.

But the mishandling of these devices isn’t just an issue of freedom and mobility. When airline staff don’t properly handle mobility devices or provide the necessary assistance to disabled air travelers, it can often result in serious injuries. Many people with disabilities opt not to fly out of fear that they’ll get hurt, experience damage to their (very expensive) mobility device or be unable to fly on an accessible aircraft.

The new rule ensures that people with disabilities can fly safely, in a dignified manner and with peace of mind that they will arrive safely with their essential mobility devices intact.

What, exactly, can disabled people expect from the new rules?

Air Travel For People With Disabilities
IZUSEK/GETTY IMAGES

The new rules put forth by the DOT include a wealth of protections for people with disabilities. Here are some of the changes you can expect:

  • Safe and dignified assistance: Airlines must provide safe service to passengers with disabilities, aiming to prevent injuries. They must also offer dignified service, respecting a passenger’s privacy, autonomy and independence.
  • Airlines accept responsibility: Airlines must return any checked wheelchairs or mobility devices in the same condition in which they were received. If a device is damaged or lost, the airline is responsible for having mishandled it.
  • Enhanced training: Any employees who physically assist passengers with disabilities will be required to take specialized training and complete a certification assessment. This applies to airline employees and contractors alike.
  • Prompt assistance: Passengers with disabilities must receive timely assistance when boarding, deplaning or moving within the airport terminal. Plus, mobility devices must be available as close to the aircraft’s door as possible.
  • Prompt return of delayed mobility devices: Delayed devices must be returned within 24 hours for domestic flights, and airlines must reimburse passengers for the cost of any transportation incurred by the delay or loss of the mobility device.
  • Prompt repair or replacement of damaged devices: A passenger whose wheelchair is damaged now has two options—allow the airline to handle its repair or replacement, or arrange for the repair or replacement through their preferred vendor. In both cases, the airline foots the bill.
  • Loaner mobility device: Just as an airline is required to provide lost luggage reimbursement, it is now required to provide for a passenger when it loses or damages their mobility device. In such instances, the airline must provide the passenger with a loaner until the original device is repaired or replaced.

Additional rules and regulations ensure that passengers who have disabilities receive proper accommodations both in the airport and on the aircraft to ensure their safety and comfort at all times. In the event that a flight needs to be rescheduled because a mobility device cannot fit inside the cabin or cargo compartment, or if it was not loaded on the correct flight, passengers will receive reimbursement of the fare difference or rebooking at no additional charge.

When does this new rule go into effect?

The new DOT rule takes effect on Jan. 16, 2025, though certain provisions of it follow different timelines. For instance, enhanced training for airline employees and contractors must be completed by June 17, 2026. And a rule requiring improved standards for onboard wheelchairs has a deadline of Oct. 2, 2026.

Why trust us

Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

  • Department of Transportation: “Secretary Buttigieg Announces Sweeping Protections for Airline Passengers with Disabilities”
  • U.S. Congress: “S.3222 – Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights”
  • Department of Transportation: “DOT Issues Landmark $50 Million Penalty Against American Airlines for Its Treatment of Passengers with Disabilities”
A person in a wheelchair faces majestic rock formations from a boat deck, accompanied by another person sitting on steps.
Courtesy Elizabeth Doughman

Accessible Travel in the Galápagos Islands

Chair sits on a balcony overlooking a glacial ocean scene with snow-capped mountains in the distance, framed by a glass door with curtain.
COURTESY SUNNY FITZGERALD

The Ideal Cruise for Disabilities

Person in wheelchair smiling on wooden path, next to small dog, surrounded by lush forest and grassy field.
Cavan Images/Getty Images

The Most Accessible National Parks

Author
Nina Derwin
Nina Derwin is a Brooklyn-based writer with a passion for the art of storytelling who covers the latest trends in popular culture, entertainment, health and personal finance. Nina has written for a number of publications, including Beyondish, Redbook, Country Living, Esquire, Delish and Digital Trends, as well as several episodes of scripted televi...
Read More
Nina Derwin