US Airways Fined for Failure to Provide Wheelchair Assistance to Passengers with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined US Airways $1.2 million for not providing adequate wheelchair assistance to passengers in Philadelphia and Charlotte. The fine is one of the largest ever assessed by DOT in a disability case. Under the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines are required to provide free, prompt wheelchair assistance to passengers with disabilities. This includes helping passengers move between gates and make flight connections.

In other airline-related news, DOT is issuing new rules that require that airline websites and automated airport kiosks to be accessible to passengers with disabilities. In addition, DOT will allow airlines to choose between stowing wheelchairs in a cabin compartment on new aircraft or strapping them to a row of seats, so that two manual, folding wheelchairs can be transported at a time.

Visit TSA’s website for more information for air travelers with disabilities and medical conditions