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119-s-4829119th CongressWALLET

Air Carrier Access Amendments Act

Sponsored By: Senator Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a private right of action for air travelers with disabilities. It also strengthens enforcement by adding specific civil penalties for listed harms and by letting the Department of Transportation refer patterns of discrimination to the Attorney General for further legal action.

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  • Individuals with disabilities can sue carriers within a two-year window for violations and seek compensatory and punitive damages plus reasonable attorney and expert fees and court costs.
  • Airlines and other air carriers face civil penalties under the existing penalty framework for enumerated violations such as delay, loss, or damage to wheelchairs or scooters; physical harm or death tied to service; failure to provide aisle-chair boarding help; denial of access to service animals; and gross negligence.
  • The Department of Transportation will assess penalties and must refer patterns or issues of broad public importance to the Attorney General, who may bring civil suits seeking equitable relief, damages, and additional civil penalties.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Sue Airlines for Disability Violations

If enacted, the bill would let any person harmed by an airline's disability discrimination sue in federal court within two years of the violation. You would be able to seek compensatory and punitive damages. If you win, the court would require the airline to pay reasonable attorney and expert fees and court costs. You would not have to exhaust agency complaint steps before filing a lawsuit.

Stronger Federal Enforcement for Passengers with Disabilities

If enacted, the bill would require civil penalties under 49 U.S.C. 46301 for specified harms to passengers with disabilities and let the Attorney General bring civil suits on their behalf. The Transportation Secretary would refer matters to the Attorney General after a penalty when there is a pattern or the issue is of general public importance. Courts could order fixes, assess fines, and, when requested by the Attorney General, award damages to harmed individuals. The listed violations include damage or loss of wheelchairs or scooters, serious injury or death during service, failure to provide aisle-chair assistance, denying boarding or service animal access, and gross negligence.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]

WI • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

  • Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]

    VT • I

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

  • Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

  • Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]

    VT • D

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

  • Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]

    NH • D

    Sponsored 6/18/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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