Trump Administration Waives $16.7 Million in Fines for American Airlines Over Wheelchair Issues

WASHINGTON—The Department of Transportation (DOT) said Tuesday it will waive $16.7 million in fines issued to American Airlines under then-President Joe Biden in 2024 as part of a settlement over ‍the air carrier’s treatment of disabled passengers, including failing ‍to provide some with adequate assistance and mishandling wheelchairs.
DOT said it will instead require American to spend $16.8 million to benefit passengers with disabilities, including requiring American to buy ‌119 additional wheelchair lifts at Miami, Philadelphia, and Chicago O’Hare airports as well as mobile devices and software enhancements ⁠that will allow American to track and record passenger wheelchairs point-by-point as they move through the transport process….