BREAKING NEWS: Together, we are making real progress in our fight for wheelchair users to fly safely and with dignity.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released a proposed rule on February 28. The rule aims to improve the air travel experience for people with mobility impairments. On May 1, the comment deadline was extended until June 12.
Most importantly, DOT needs to hear from you. Here are some points to highlight in your comments:
- Better training requirements to stop physical injuries and wheelchair damage, and
- Prompt return of wheelchairs and mobility devices and prompt repair or replacement of damaged wheelchairs or mobility devices is required to maintain our health and independence
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Think about some examples in your air travels where you have experienced discrimination:
- What has your experience been related to the use of on-board wheelchairs?
- How long have you had to wait for assistance to board or deplane?
- Has it been difficult working with airline personnel when stowing your wheelchair either in cabin or in the cargo hold of the plane?
- Think about some examples regarding where there has been a lack of training or understanding of your needs from the airline employees or contractors.
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Please share along with your air travel experiences using one or more of the following hashtags:
- #JustPlaneWrong
- #TravelWithDignity
- #Flightmares
- #PushingAccessForward
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See our post about some of the specific issues in the rule, such as:
- Safe and dignified assistance
- Prompt enplaning, deplaning, and connecting assistance
- Prompt return of delayed wheelchairs or scooters
- Prompt repair or replacement of damaged wheelchairs or scooters; passenger notifications; mishandling violations
- Loaner wheelchair accommodations
- Enhanced training improved standards for on-board wheelchairs
- Size standard for lavatories
- Fare reimbursement options
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What to do:
Please share your comments with us at policy@unitedspinal.org, and we can work with you to submit them. You can submit comments here. Learn more about our air travel work on our Accessible Air Travel webpage.
Learn more about our air travel advocacy at:
- Our blog on the proposed rule
- Our webpage at Accessible Air Travel
- This video at the White House on February 29 on protecting the safety, rights, and dignity of air travelers with disabilities with Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg.
