US DOT’s Potential Rollback Of Essential Wheelchair Travel Regulations Could Turn Back The Clock On Disability Rights In Air Travel

Published on September 23, 2025

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is considering rolling back several key regulations put in place under the Biden administration to protect disabled flyers who use wheelchairs. These regulations were designed to enhance the safety, accessibility, and fairness of air travel for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the proposed changes threaten to undermine these protections, potentially leaving disabled travelers at greater risk of discrimination and mishandling by airlines. The DOT’s decision to re-evaluate these regulations is primarily driven by concerns raised by the airline industry, which argues that some rules are too broad or burdensome. If implemented, these rollbacks could reverse significant progress made in ensuring that passengers with disabilities have equal access to air travel and are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently considering revisiting and potentially rolling back various regulations established by the Biden administration aimed at safeguarding the rights of air travelers who use wheelchairs. These regulations, which were intended to improve services for wheelchair users and protect them from mishandling by airlines, could undergo revisions starting as early as next August.

The regulatory changes under review include four key provisions that were finalized in December of the previous year. One of the main provisions focused on giving the DOT greater authority to impose fines on airlines that mishandle wheelchairs. This rule had been a target for criticism by the airline industry, particularly the trade group Airlines for America (A4A), which filed a lawsuit challenging the rule. The lawsuit argued that the regulation was too expansive and could hold airlines accountable for damages that occurred under certain circumstances, such as when wheelchairs were properly secured but damaged due to severe turbulence during flight.

Another provision under scrutiny requires that airline personnel responsible for loading wheelchairs or assisting passengers in wheelchairs undergo annual training. The provision mandates that employees complete their initial training before they are assigned any wheelchair-related duties. However, the DOT has expressed its intention to reconsider the frequency of this training, although it is limited in its ability to alter these requirements due to restrictions set by the federal government. According to the 2024 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill, training must be conducted at least once every 18 months.

The third regulation on the table involves a rule that mandates airlines to reimburse passengers for the cost difference when a traveler must take a more expensive flight than originally planned, simply because their wheelchair cannot fit into the cargo hold of the preferred flight. This regulation aims to reduce the burden on passengers who face such issues and ensure that they are not financially penalized for circumstances beyond their control.

Lastly, the DOT is reconsidering a rule that requires airlines to notify passengers about their rights when their wheelchairs are damaged or mishandled. Under this regulation, airlines would have to inform affected travelers about their right to file a claim, access a loaner wheelchair from the airline, and select a vendor for the repair or replacement of their damaged chair. This regulation was put in place to ensure that passengers had the necessary information and support if their mobility equipment was harmed during transit.

These regulatory changes were initially set to take effect in January of the previous year, with additional provisions scheduled for implementation by June of the following year. However, the previous administration, under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, delayed the enforcement of these rules multiple times. The most recent delay ended on August 1, but the full implementation of the regulations has yet to occur. The DOT has indicated that it is still exploring potential enforcement actions and considering the possibility of adjusting the rules based on feedback and concerns raised by the airline industry, including a lawsuit filed in February.

The consideration to roll back these protections for travelers using wheelchairs aligns with broader policy shifts under the Trump administration, which has been known for revisiting consumer protection rules and examining the impact of regulations on businesses. This reflects a recurring theme in previous transportation policies, where the DOT has reviewed and, in some cases, relaxed rules that were introduced during the previous administration.

In addition to re-evaluating regulations concerning wheelchair users, the current administration has signaled its intention to reassess other consumer protection regulations, particularly those related to airline passenger rights. This includes regulations concerning refunds for canceled or delayed flights, as well as rules requiring airlines to disclose ancillary fees at the beginning of flight searches. The reexamination of these rules signals a potential shift in the way consumer protection laws are enforced, especially in regard to air travel.

While the changes under consideration have yet to be finalized, they are likely to have significant implications for both passengers and airlines. For passengers with mobility impairments, these regulations are a critical part of ensuring that their travel experience is safe, accessible, and fair. Many advocates for people with disabilities argue that any rollback of these protections would undermine efforts to make air travel more inclusive for all individuals, particularly those who rely on wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

For the airline industry, the potential rollback of these regulations may be seen as a win, especially for companies that have been vocal in their opposition to the new rules. Airlines have argued that some of the regulations, particularly those related to training and fines, place excessive burdens on their operations and could lead to significant financial and logistical challenges.

As the DOT moves forward with its review process, it will have to balance the interests of passengers with disabilities and the airline industry, all while ensuring that any changes to the regulations comply with existing laws and policies. The outcome of this review will likely shape the future of air travel accessibility in the U.S. and could set a precedent for how such issues are handled in the future.