American Airlines Receives Record $50 Million Fine for Mishandling Wheelchairs and Mistreating Disabled Passengers
American Airlines has been hit with a historic $50 million fine for its treatment of disabled passengers requiring wheelchair assistance and for damaging thousands of wheelchairs. The Department of Transportation conducted an investigation that uncovered cases of unsafe physical assistance, resulting in injuries and undignified treatment of wheelchair users. It was also found that the airline failed to provide prompt wheelchair assistance and mishandled or damaged numerous wheelchairs over a five-year period.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that the days of tolerating poor treatment of wheelchair users on airplanes are over. While American Airlines was singled out as one of the worst offenders, similar investigations are being conducted on other airlines as well.
The penalties were prompted by formal complaints filed by Paralyzed Veterans of America against American Airlines, including a disturbing incident captured on video at Miami International Airport. In response, American Airlines has pledged to invest over $175 million this year in equipment, training, and other measures to enhance the travel experience for passengers with disabilities. The airline has also reduced its rate of mishandling wheelchairs and power scooters by over 20 percent.
As part of the penalty, American Airlines will pay $25 million and receive credit for $25 million spent on improving its practices, including compensation to affected customers. This fine surpasses the previous record of $2 million against United Airlines in 2016, demonstrating a significant shift towards holding airlines accountable for the well-being of passengers with disabilities.
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