American Airlines has been hit with a staggering $50 million fine by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) for mishandling disabled passengers and damaging wheelchairs over a five-year period from 2019 to 2023. The DoT’s investigation found that the airline mishandled over 10,760 wheelchairs and mobility scooters, making it one of the highest violators among U.S. carriers. This penalty marks a severe warning as the DoT vows to crack down on similar practices within the airline industry.

The Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, commented that American Airlines was among the worst offenders, but added that the issue is prevalent across the entire airline sector. He stressed that other airlines are currently under investigation for comparable violations. Buttigieg stated that the era of poor treatment for disabled passengers was “over” and emphasized the necessity for airlines to adhere strictly to federal regulations.

A Long History of Violations

The DoT’s findings show that between 2019 and 2023, American Airlines mishandled thousands of wheelchairs and mobility devices, putting disabled passengers at risk. In one notable incident, a wheelchair was seen on video being carelessly pushed down a ramp at Miami International Airport, causing it to flip over and slide across the pavement. This incident was instrumental in prompting further investigation, according to officials.

The investigation was partly fueled by complaints from the Paralyzed Veterans of America, who raised concerns over the airline’s poor treatment of passengers with disabilities. Federal regulations mandate that airlines must ensure wheelchairs and mobility aids are returned promptly and without damage. Additionally, they are responsible for providing adequate assistance to disabled passengers navigating airports. However, the DoT’s report revealed that American Airlines repeatedly failed to meet these standards.

Massive Investments and Claims of Improvement

In response to the fine, American Airlines stated that it has invested $175 million this year in training, infrastructure, and systems aimed at improving the experience for disabled passengers. The company claimed these investments have led to a 20% reduction in wheelchair mishandling incidents and that only one out of every thousand customers seeking wheelchair assistance have reported issues. The airline also mentioned that the fine would be halved to $25 million if it demonstrated sustained improvements and effective compensation for affected passengers.

Despite these efforts, disability advocates argue that the financial penalties and promised investments are insufficient. They pointed out that even when airlines compensate for damages, disabled passengers often face weeks without mobility devices, severely affecting their independence and mobility.

Expert Commentary: Heightened Industry Scrutiny

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted that the hefty fine levied against American Airlines sets a precedent for the industry. He noted that while American was singled out due to the volume of incidents, similar investigations are ongoing for other airlines. He reiterated that the government would no longer tolerate substandard treatment of disabled passengers, signalling that this action is part of a broader push for stricter enforcement and compliance in the airline sector.

Buttigieg also mentioned that while the DoT is actively addressing these issues, it is crucial for airlines to take proactive measures to support disabled passengers, enhancing infrastructure and training to prevent further violations.

The Largest Penalty of Its Kind

The $50 million penalty represents the largest fine the DoT has imposed for disability rights violations in the airline industry. Previously, the largest fine was $2 million against United Airlines in 2016, significantly smaller than the current penalty against American Airlines. This fine highlights the scale and seriousness of the violations and is intended as a deterrent to other airlines, urging them to enhance compliance and improve services for disabled passengers.

  American Airlines, Miami International Airport, Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Department of Transportation