ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

The largest disability enforcement action before this fine was only $2 million. 

Shannon Wood, Director of Disability Policy at MDA, notes that while half of the fine goes to the US Treasury, the remaining $25 million will be credited to American Airlines in the form of offsets.

“Offsets could be used for investments in equipment to reduce wheelchair damage, wheelchair lifts used to safely lower wheelchairs from the jet bridge down to the tarmac, system-wide wheelchair tagging systems, or other improvements,” she says.

MDA works closely with Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and other nonprofit organizations to advocate for better air travel. PVA filed formal complaints about American Airlines’ “physical assistance that at times resulted in unsafe and undignified treatment of wheelchair users.” 

When the fine was levied, the DOT cited PVA’s complaints that outlined egregious actions.