Broken wheelchairs. Broken bones. Broken plans. For too many living with a disability, traveling by air is a nightmare and improving the system is long overdue. The good news is decisionmakers in Congress are voting on meaningful reforms that will make air travel more accessible.
In the next few days, Congress is set to vote on a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to avoid big interruptions in air travel. Included in this “must pass” bill are reforms that represent the most substantial improvements to accessible air travel in nearly 40 years, such as:
- Mandating regular training for airline and airport personnel who assist passengers with disabilities and load and stow wheelchairs for flights
- Continuing the effort to allow people to stay in their wheelchairs during flight
- Strengthening enforcement of fines and penalties for wheelchair damage and injuries
- Giving the disability community a seat at the table, and
- Much more
With a final vote happening soon, we need your voice now more than ever. Please urge your members of Congress to vote YES on the FAA Reauthorization bill!