Big news out of Washington, D.C. Congress passed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization!  It’s a big win, and it wouldn't have happened without the work of advocates and support from the entire MDA community. 

This major piece of legislation includes many reforms that will make air travel more accessible for people living with disabilities, including: 

• Those working at airports and airline personnel will now receive stronger, hands-on training to help passengers with disabilities and properly stow their wheelchairs. 
• Mandating continued study to finally allow people to stay in their wheelchairs during flights. 
• Airlines will be held accountable for reporting any damage to wheelchairs, making sure everyone stays safe. 
• Airlines will be required to publish cargo hold dimensions and provide refunds to individuals when they are unable to fly due to space constraints in the aircraft cargo hold. 
• People living with disabilities will have a seat at the table when the government makes future decisions about air travel. 
• The Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights is codified into law.  
   

Learn more about all the reforms in this law by reading MDA's Quest blog or watching this recorded webinar. 

For several years, MDA advocates have been raising their voices, meeting with lawmakers, and sending messages to their elected officials urging them to support a reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that would include much-needed reforms to help make air travel a safer, more dignified experience for passengers traveling with wheelchairs and mobility devices. 

This law is the result of advocates sharing their stories and personal experiences with air travel, and how these provisions included in the bill will improve their flying experience. MDA advocates made personal connections with their representatives to provide key information as the reauthorization process was ongoing. 

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this happen. We are excited to continue the work to create a world where air travel is easier and safer for all.

Please join our grassroots network to keep up-to-date the latest on MDA’s Accessible Air Travel work.