Airlines must now ensure safe transfers and handling for wheelchair users

The US Transportation Department issued a new rule. It tightens requirements for airlines to safely handle wheelchairs and transfer passengers with disabilities. This means airlines must change their procedures to prevent damage to mobility devices and ensure proper assistance for travelers.

Air travelers using wheelchairs have long faced frequent damage to their mobility devices and unsafe transfers. These problems often led to injury or being stranded. This rule forces airlines to address those specific problems. It means airlines can no longer treat wheelchair damage as an unavoidable cost of doing business.