DOT “Reworking” New ACAA Wheelchair Regs

Late last year the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced some timely updates to the Air Carrier Access Act. https://emerginghorizons.com/2025-air-carrier-access-act-updates/

Subsequently five airlines, along with an airline trade group filed suit in the Fifth District challenging these stricter standards.  https://emerginghorizons.com/acaa-updates-stalled-due-to-litigation/

As a result of that filing, the DOT released a statement late last month saying that it would not enforce the following standards that were contained in that original update.

Prompt Repair or Replacement of Damaged Assistive Devices

Carriers must offer passengers a choice in regards to repair or replacement of damaged assistive devices. Passengers can opt to have the carrier arrange for repair or replacement, or the passenger can arrange for repair or replacement at their chosen vendor. If the latter option is chosen, the carrier will transport the assistive device to the repair location and pay for the needed repairs.

It should be noted that the Montreal Convention still remains in effect for the liability limits for assistive devices damaged or lost on international flights. The carrier liability limit for this is $1731.

Rebooking Requirements for Service Failures

If a passenger’s assistive device will not fit into the cargo hold, the airline must book the passenger on the next available flight that can accommodate it. This will be done at no additional charge, even if a partner carrier is used.

According to a statement by the DOT, they are rewriting (“reworking”) the rule regarding these issues and there is no timeline for its completion.

The administration also said it would also not enforce the ACAA rule that requires airlines to notify passengers about their rights in writing when they are checking wheelchairs or scooters.

More on this story as it develops, but for now it’s in the hands of the DOT.