USA Today
Kathleen Wong
19 February 2025
A group of major U.S. airlines is looking to overturn part of the Department of Transportation's new rule that increased penalties for damaged or lost mobility devices.
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines joined the lobbying group Airlines for America (A4A) in filing an appeal to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday claiming that a section of the rule that defines discrimination – and mandates them to pay certain fees as a result – is overreaching and "unlawful."
Introduced during the Biden administration, the final rule, effective Jan. 16, strengthens protections for travelers using wheelchairs, requiring better training, reimbursement for transport or fare differences and prompt repairs or replacements for mishandled devices. It also put the airlines at fault for damaged devices.
Read on: Airlines challenge DOT's rule protecting travelers with disabilities
