The US Transportation Department has introduced new regulations to improve the flying experience for passengers with mobility issues. The changes, which are expected to take effect next month, aim to provide clearer guidelines and more support for airlines handling wheelchairs and mobility devices.
Key provisions include:
* Airlines must publish dimensions of cargo holds on their websites to facilitate smooth handling.
* Passengers must be notified in writing of their right to contact a complaint resolution official if their device is mishandled.
* Airlines will provide prompt assistance during boarding, disembarking, and connecting flights.
* Passengers’ personal wheelchairs will be brought as close as possible to the aircraft door upon deplaning.
If mobility devices are delayed or mishandled, airlines will reimburse ground transportation costs and offer rebooking on the next available flight. They must also provide a loaner wheelchair until the passenger’s device is repaired or replaced.
Further changes include increased transparency for passengers with damaged devices, reimbursement for cost differences between flights, and improved handling of delayed equipment.
These new regulations are part of the Biden Administration’s efforts to improve air travel experiences for all passengers, particularly those with mobility issues.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/17/travel/airlines-wheelchairs-mobility-scooters.html