US airlines challenge Biden wheelchair passenger protection rule

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

US airlines challenge Biden wheelchair passenger protection rule

By Reuters
February 20, 2025 4:55 PM EST Updated a day ago

WASHINGTON, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Major U.S. airlines and a trade association have challenged a Biden administration rule issued in December requiring new consumer protections for disabled passengers using wheelchairs.

United Airlines (UAL.O), opens new tab, Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), opens new tab, American Airlines (AAL.O), opens new tab, Southwest Airlines (LUV.N), opens new tab, JetBlue Airways and airline trade group Airlines for America challenge the rule in the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals that set stricter standards for accommodating passengers with wheelchairs and requires carriers to reimburse passengers for damage to wheelchairs.

Then-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said last year the rule was the biggest expansion of rights for wheelchair users since 2008 and makes it easier for USDOT to hold airlines accountable for damage to wheelchairs or any delay in their return.

Airlines for America said carriers have been making meaningful progress enhancing services for passengers with disabilities since signing a commitment in 2022.

The airline group said it was not challenging all aspects of the regulation ...

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Read more: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-airlines-challenge-biden-wheelchair-passenger-protection-rule-2025-02-20/

Alternate link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-airlines-challenge-biden-wheelchair-205659118.html