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U.S. Department of Transportation will not enforce key provisions of rule that protects airline passengers with disabilities

Photo of a wheelchair on a plane tarmac

December 16, 2025

The Center on Disability strongly opposes the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announcement to pause enforcement of key provisions of the “Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs” final rule. This is the third time the Trump administration has delayed enforcement of this vital regulation. 

Finalized late last year with an effective date of January 16, 2025, this final rule requires airlines to meet stronger standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities and provide greater protections to these individuals. DOT is delaying the provisions’ enforcement until December 31, 2026, while it “engages in a new rulemaking that will consider whether to modify those provisions.” Earlier this year, several major U.S. airlines and the airline trade group Airlines for America sued over the rule, claiming the Transportation Department overstepped its authority.

DOT is suspending enforcement of requirements that airlines:

  • Are liable for mishandled wheelchairs,
  • Reimburse passengers the fare difference if they have to take a more expensive flight to accommodate their wheelchair or scooter,
  • Notify passengers that check wheelchairs or scooters about their right to contact a Complaint Resolution Official and file a claim, and
  • Provide annual training for airline employees and contractors who provide physical assistance to people with disabilities or handle mobility devices.

The failure to enforce these common-sense and necessary provisions is a major setback for passengers with disabilities who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices. For these individuals, air travel is often a serious challenge, and many face barriers, discrimination, and damage to their equipment when flying.  Airlines damage thousands of mobility devices each year. In October 2024, American Airlines was fined $50 million for repeated violations involving damaged wheelchairs and inadequate assistance. 

According to the DOT, about 5.5 million Americans use wheelchairs, and for every 100 wheelchairs or scooters transported on domestic flights, at least one is damaged, delayed, or lost. Individuals who use these devices are frequently left dealing with the hassle and high costs associated with repairing or replacing their equipment. 

When issuing the final rule in December 2024, the DOT stated that its purpose was “to increase access to safe and dignified air travel for individuals with disabilities and it was “committed to ensuring that our air transportation system is safe and accessible for all.”  By not enforcing key provisions of the rule, DOT is failing individuals with disabilities, who will continue to face unnecessary and unacceptable risks and challenges when flying.

Take Action Today! Ask your U.S. Senate and House representatives to tell the Department of Transportation to enforce ALL provisions of the “Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs” final rule. Use this search tool to find your federal representatives.