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US Accessibility Standards for Airlines Going Down for the Next Four Years?
US Accessibility Standards for Airlines Going Down for the Next Four Years?
Is anyone else worried that accessibility standards for airlines in the U.S. might decline over the next four years?
We’ve had an excellent Transportation Secretary in Pete Buttigieg. He addressed American Airlines’ poor record of damaging medical equipment and imposed fines amounting to millions of dollars. He has also been supportive of allowing wheelchair tie-downs on planes so that we can remain in our chairs during flights. Additionally, airlines are now required to issue refunds promptly for canceled flights, benefiting the general public.
However, he won’t be the Transportation Secretary in the new administration. Each new administration brings a new Cabinet, and given that this upcoming administration seems more business-oriented, I am concerned that our needs may not be prioritized over corporate interests.
- 7 Replies
Yes. I am concerned because Trump is not likely to require any improvements.
I haven’t flown to the US since I have been in a wheelchair and I hope it becomes easier and easier for people like me to travel to the US as I have a brother who lives there
from a gov standpoint, the upcoming administration hasn’t seemed to ever address this issue. However, Delta’s plans to make the accessible seat for wheelchairs seems to be a step in the right direction at least
Do you think this could be an ‘airline by airline’ decision, where it’ll be left to each airline to decide and they get to create their own specifications and boarding processes?
It seems like that’ll be the way for wheelchair spaces, but I hope Delta’s program raises the bar and others want to meet or exceed it! However, I hope that government policies that were put in place are enforced and pressured to finish sooner than the like 10 years the US plan gave.
While not an American, I’m gonna miss Pete Buttigieg, he genuinely seemed like a good person working to make things better.
As a non-American, I am concerned as carriers flying to the US have to follow its rules which means it can tend to ripple out to other countries.
Hopefully the airlines with have accessibility become a point of competition, trying to outdo others. It wasn’t the government pushing Delta to create their prototype – it was a grassroots movement pushing both airlines AND the government… here’s to hoping the government will still listen…
Not a fan of 45/47, but we must remain vigilant to protect our safety and our right to be mobile and participate in life. If you see something going wrong, speak up and advocate for yourself and others. Consider donating to the ACLU now, before the lawsuits get crazy, as we know from his first term that he will try and create chaos and dismantle all guardrails that protect individual rights and interests. The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) were the main legal entity that stood between 45/47 and the worst abuses he tried. I’m an independent, and hoping for the best while preparing for the worst. We know he won’t want Buttigieg to reman in his current role, and I worry who will replace Pete.
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