American Airlines has been hit with a hefty $50 million penalty by the US Department of Transportation for multiple serious violations concerning passengers with disabilities. Pilotcenter.net News reported on October 23, 2024, that DOT's investigation uncovered numerous breaches by the airline, particularly in mishandling wheelchairs and scooters. The department pointed out instances of inadequate assistance for wheelchair users, leading to injuries and disrespectful treatment, as well as delays in providing timely wheelchair aid. Moreover, American Airlines was found responsible for damaging or delaying the return of thousands of wheelchairs, leaving travelers in a lurch without their necessary mobility devices.

In response to these findings, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg declared, "The era of tolerating poor treatment of airline passengers with disabilities is over." Emphasizing the importance of upholding the civil rights of all passengers, especially those with disabilities, Buttigieg noted that the penalty signals a new era of accountability in the airline industry. DOT regulations mandate that airlines promptly return wheelchairs and other mobility devices in good condition, while also providing timely assistance to passengers with disabilities when boarding and disembarking aircraft, as well as moving within airports.

Notably, investigations into American Airlines were prompted by formal complaints, including multiple complaints from Paralyzed Veterans of America detailing inadequate wheelchair assistance. One incident captured on video in November 2023 at Miami International Airport exemplified the mishandling of a wheelchair by American Airlines staff. As part of the $50 million penalty, the carrier is required to pay a $25 million fine to the US Treasury, with the remaining $25 million allocated towards initiatives such as equipment upgrades to minimize wheelchair damage and hiring additional staff dedicated to wheelchair handling at major airports.

Failure to fulfill these commitments will result in the airline having to pay the additional $25 million of the penalty. DOT revealed that it is actively investigating similar violations at other US airlines, stressing that American Airlines' penalty sets a significant precedent as the largest penalty ever imposed by the department for violating disability regulations.