PHOENIX—Rep. Greg Stanton today applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation for issuing a landmark $50 million penalty against American Airlines for repeatedly failing to provide safe, dignified, and prompt wheelchair assistance and mishandling passengers’ wheelchairs. He also welcomed the news that DOT is actively investigating similar incidents at other U.S. airlines.
“For years, people with disabilities have sounded the alarm about mistreatment by airlines—including injuries, undignified treatment and damaged wheelchairs that can cost thousands of dollars to repair. I’m glad to see DOT taking action to hold airlines accountable,” Stanton said.
On the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Stanton has worked to hold airlines accountable for mishandling mobility aids, and to include provisions to improve the flying experience for passengers with disabilities in the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization.
In December, after a viral video showed American Airlines employees at Miami International Airport grossly mistreating a passenger’s wheelchair, Stanton led 30 of his colleagues in a letter to Airlines for America (A4A) President and CEO Nicholas Calio expressing concern and dismay regarding the continued trend of mishandled wheelchairs and scooters.
Stanton met with disabled athletes at Ability360 in Phoenix in April to discuss their experiences with air travel, months before an Ability 360-affiliated team had their mobility devices damaged on a Southwest Airlines flight. Shortly after that incident, Stanton pressed the Southwest Airlines CEO for accountability.