I found out the Department of Transportation put a pause on multiple rights disabled travelers are supposed to have when flying.
The rules that are paused until December 31, 2026 are as follows (directly quoted then an explanation):
airlines' liability when passengers’ wheelchairs or other assistive devices are not timely returned in the condition they were received (explanation: airlines being held accountable when they lose, damage, or break someone's mobility device. End of explanation)
frequency of required refresher training of airline employees and contractors (explanation: something that was signed into law recently requiring airline employees be trained on how to correctly and safely handle a wheelchair. End of explanation)
pre-departure notifications to passengers that check wheelchairs or scooters of their right to contact a Complaint Resolution Official and file a claim (explanation: reminding people with mobility aides that we can file a complaint. End of explanation)
reimbursements of the difference between the fare on a flight a wheelchair or scooter user took, and the fare on a flight that the wheelchair or scooter user would have taken if his or her wheelchair or scooter had been able to fit on the flight (explanation: if someone with a mobility aid has to purchase a second plane ticket because the first flight is inaccessible, the difference between the two tickets will be paid by the airline. End of explanation)
