The U.S. government has fined American Airlines $50 million for mishandling wheelchairs and failing to provide adequate assistance for people with disabilities. The Department of Transportation investigation went on from 2019 to 2023 and revealed serious issues with the airlines attitudes towards people with disabilities.

The Department of Transportation’s Investigation

The Paralysed Veterans of America filed complaints, prompting the opening of the investigation. According to the Transportation Department, over the five-year period, American Airlines mishandled over 10,000 wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Passengers have also accused American Airlines of numerous instances of ignorance or mistreatment.

The $50 million fine is a landmark amount, higher than any previous disability-related fines. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said that it marks the end of poor treatment for disabled airline passengers because “this unprecedented fine sets a new accountability standard.”

The investigation discovered numerous cases of neglect resulting in wheelchair damage. A video from Miami International Airport captured staff roughly throwing a wheelchair down the baggage ramp.

People with disabilities rely on wheelchairs for mobility, so it’s crucial to return them in their original condition. Damaged wheelchairs can incapacitate passengers for many weeks after the flight and cause a great amount of distress.

The department of transportation has claimed that they found instances of

“unsafe physical assistance that at times resulted in injuries and undignified treatment of wheelchair users.”

American Airlines responsibilities

After the investigation, American Airlines was the first to face a fine; however, they are not the only airline facing accusations of neglecting people with disabilities. The Department of Transportation has opened more investigations, but they have not yet revealed the names of the airlines.

The American Treasury will receive $25 million of the fine, while the airline will use the remaining $25 million to enhance its capacity to properly accommodate people with disabilities. They will be required to invest in equipment to help prevent damages to wheelchairs, a tracking system, and compensations for affected passengers.

Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, commented that the Department of Justice wants to aid people with disabilities so they are able to travel independently. When it comes to the airline’s responsibilities,

“Travellers with disabilities must be confident they will receive timely assistance and arrive safely, with their mobility aids and assistive devices intact.”

American Airlines has issued an apology and commented that they are dedicated to ensuring that passengers with disabilities will be able to have a good travel experience without previous issues occurring again in the future.