Accessible Travel: DOT Proposed Rulemaking For Safe & Accessible Air Travel

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a proposed rulemaking to strengthen implementation of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), ensuring that wheelchair users can travel safely, with dignity and respect. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is thrilled with this proposed rule, as accessible air travel is a top priority of the Foundation. We look forward to continuing our work with coalition partners on the fight for accessible air travel.

The proposed changes by the DOT include several key areas that our community has long advocated for: safe and dignified assistance for wheelchair users, better enforcement of violations and remedies for mishandled mobility devices and would mandate training for all airline staff and contractors physically assist travelers with disabilities and their mobility devices.

Recorded on April 10, 2024