Congressman Cohen Applauds Sweeping Protections for Airline Passengers with Disabilities

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen, the Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, today attended Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s announcement of a final rule that is the biggest expansion of rights for passengers with disabilities in a generation. 

The new rule, which incorporates many elements of Congressman Cohen’s Mobility Aids on Board Improve Lives and Empower All (MOBILE) Act, requires airlines to meet rigorous standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities, particularly those who use wheelchairs.

An estimated 5.5 million Americans use a wheelchair, and many encounter barriers when it comes to air travel. U.S. Department of Transportation data shows 11,527 wheelchairs and scooters were mishandled by carriers required to report that data. 

When an individual’s wheelchair is delayed or damaged by an airline, their mobility, health, and freedom can be severely impacted until the wheelchair is returned, repaired or replaced. For many people with disabilities, the pain of a broken or lost wheelchair or other mobility aid is like the pain of an injury or loss of an able-bodied person’s legs.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“The comprehensive final rule being announced today will assure safe and dignified air travel for those with disabilities. This has been my highest priority and is the reason I introduced the MOBILE Act, whose provisions are incorporated in this well-reasoned and timely approach to those with mobility-related disabilities. I applaud Secretary Buttigieg for getting this rule out, and the flying public will notice the significant improvement.”

The final rule ensures safe and dignified assistance, requires annual hands-on training for airline personnel, and mandates prompt boarding, deplaning, and return of mobility devices. Airlines must notify passengers about the status of their wheelchairs and provide loaner devices, repair or replacement options, and reimbursements for delays or damages. The rule also improves transparency by requiring airlines to publish cargo hold dimensions and sets new standards for on-board wheelchairs. The final rule will be effective on January 16, 2025 and can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news. 

Travelers can learn more about their protections when they fly at FlightRights.gov. Consumers may file an airline complaint with the Department here.  

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