BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Monday, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced protections for airline passengers with disabilities.
Secretary Buttigieg outlined a new rule which states all checked wheelchairs and mobility devices must be returned to a passenger in the same condition as received -- and any damage or delay will result in a violation of the air Carrier Access Act.
Airline employees and contractors will now also undergo annual training designed to safely assist passengers with mobility disabilities.
Miranda Hart said she is thankful to hear about the new rule.
"I'm very thankful. Somebody needs to take this seriously," said Hart.
Hart, who was born with Ehlers Danlos syndrome, said her custom wheelchair was damaged while flying with Delta Airlines from Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport on her way home to Birmingham, AL on two separate occasions.
Hart said the first time it happened her service dog Eli was also injured as a result of her damaged wheelchair.
"It's already been almost a month since my chair was damaged and it's going to be at least another month before I get my new chair. So, it's two months that I'm having to deal with a chair that veers, and I have a connecting tissue disorder that my joints dislocate and, so, it's causing me a lot of pain." said Hart.
According to Buttigieg, in 2023, more than 11,000 incidents of airlines mishandling wheelchairs or scooters were reported.
In October, the Department of Transportation issued a $50 million penalty to American Airlines for violating laws related to this.
Hart said the new rules are a step in the right direction.
"I think that that's crucial. I hope that's not only just placed into law but that its reinforced. Cause so many times we have laws that aren't reinforced," said Hart.
CBS 42 reached out to Delta Airlines for comment on this, directing further information from the advocacy organization, A4A and the Delta News Hub article.