There have been numerous reports in recent years about airlines mishandling, damaging, or outright destroying passengers’ mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, and other assistive devices. These incidents are not just inconvenient—they are violations of disability rights and create major barriers for individuals who rely on adaptive mobility equipment for their independence.
You may be interested to know that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), along with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), provides clear protections for passengers with disabilities when traveling by air. While the ADA primarily applies to public spaces and businesses, the ACAA mandates that airlines must provide accommodations to ensure accessible air travel for disabled individuals. The Pacific ADA Center does a great job in explaining these rights and the responsibilities of air carriers in ensuring that mobility scooters and power wheelchairs are properly handled during air travel.
Reports of Airline Mishandling of Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters
Despite these legal protections, there have been numerous high-profile cases where airlines have failed to properly care for electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other assistive mobility devices. These failures have resulted in passengers being stranded at airports, experiencing significant damage to their essential mobility aids, and facing substantial hardships.
In 2023, as reported by WGBH News, Boston resident Colleen Flanagan arrived in Washington, D.C., only to find that her power wheelchair had been severely damaged during transport by JetBlue Airways. The damage was so extensive that she was unable to leave the airport, illustrating how mishandled mobility devices can turn a trip into a nightmare for travelers with disabilities.
Travel journalist Sophie Morgan, a wheelchair user and disability rights advocate, has also shared her personal experiences of airlines damaging her mobility equipment. Writing for Condé Nast Traveler, Morgan has highlighted the systemic failures of airlines in handling assistive mobility devices, emphasizing the devastating impact these incidents have on disabled travelers.
The issue is not limited to isolated cases. In October 2023, the Associated Press reported that American Airlines was fined $50 million for failing to provide adequate wheelchair assistance to passengers with disabilities and for damaging thousands of mobility scooters and power wheelchairs over a five-year period. This fine underscores the ongoing challenges faced by travelers with disabilities, despite long-standing laws meant to protect them.
New Regulations and Airline Pushback
Recognizing the severity of these issues, the Transportation Department has taken steps to improve the treatment of mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, and other mobility devices by passing new regulations. These rules require airline staff to undergo specialized training on how to handle assistive devices with proper care, ensuring that travelers with disabilities can expect better treatment when they check in their mobility equipment for transport.
However, major U.S. airlines are now fighting back against these regulations. Yahoo News reports that American Airlines (AAL), Delta Air Lines (DAL), JetBlue Airways (JBLU), Southwest Airlines (LUV), and United Airlines (UAL) have joined forces under the Airlines for America trade association to challenge the new rules in court. The airlines have filed a petition with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the Department of Transportation lacks the authority to enforce these protections.
What This Means for Disabled Travelers
For individuals who rely on mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, and other assistive technology, these legal battles have real-life consequences. Many disabled travelers have had their trips ruined—or worse, been left stranded at airports—due to airline negligence. This situation is unacceptable, especially when mobility devices are not just equipment but essential tools for independence.
At Living Well Stores, we are committed to providing products that empower individuals with limited mobility to actively participate in life's experiences. We frequently hear from our customers about the challenges they face when traveling with mobility scooters and wheelchairs, and we know that better airline policies and enforcement are needed.
If you are a world traveler who relies on a mobility scooter or power wheelchair, this issue directly affects you. We encourage you to stay informed and advocate for your rights. If you’d like to make your voice heard, consider reaching out to your elected representatives to demand stronger enforcement of disability rights in air travel.
No traveler should have to worry about losing their mobility because of an airline’s carelessness. It's time for airlines to be held accountable and for travelers with disabilities to receive the respect, care, and accommodations they deserve.
If you agree, we encourage you to share your opinions on this important topic as we have with the Department of Transportation. You'll find all the contact information here.
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