Paralyzed Athlete’s Airport Struggles Highlight Rollback of Disability Rights

Trump Administration Delays Wheelchair Rule, Frustrating Disabled Fliers

WHITE SALMON, Wash. — Seth McBride’s life took an unexpected turn on a snowy mountainside in British Columbia. A thrill-seeker since childhood, growing up in Juneau, Alaska, McBride loved the adrenaline rush of rock climbing, mountain biking, and skiing. But a backflip gone wrong at Whistler Blackcomb resort at age 17 left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Despite this life-altering injury, McBride has continued to live a full and adventurous life, competing in wheelchair rugby at the Paralympic Games in Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, and London, and even biking 6,500 miles with his wife from Portland, Oregon, to Argentina. Yet, one aspect of modern life remains consistently challenging: air travel.

For McBride and countless other wheelchair users, flying isn’t simply about the inconvenience of security lines or cramped seating. It’s a complex logistical challenge fraught with the risk of damaged equipment, physical discomfort, and a fundamental lack of independence. Recent actions by the Trump administration have further complicated matters, delaying regulations designed to improve the air travel experience for those with mobility issues.

A Promise Delayed

The Biden administration had finalized new rules intended to address long-standing concerns about the handling of wheelchairs and scooters during air travel. These regulations, published in December 2024, would have held airlines liable for damaged or delayed mobility devices and mandated improved staff training. The Department of Transportation estimated that, in 2024, approximately 1% of all wheelchairs and scooters transported on domestic flights were lost, damaged, or delayed.

However, these rules have been put on hold following a lawsuit filed by airline industry groups arguing the regulations were overly burdensome and exceeded the Department of Transportation’s authority. The Trump administration subsequently postponed implementation, first to March 2025, then to August 2025. Now, the Department of Transportation has announced a new rule-making process, pushing any potential changes back to at least 2027.

The Daily Reality of Air Travel for Wheelchair Users

McBride’s experience highlights the daily frustrations faced by many wheelchair users. Every flight requires careful planning, including dehydration to minimize bathroom needs, and the constant worry about the safe handling of his wheelchair – his lifeline to mobility.

“There are highly few places in my life that I feel less independent than an airport,” McBride said. “None of the systems are set up for wheelchair users to be able to manage things on their own.”

The potential for damage is a significant concern. Manually operated wheelchairs can cost upwards of $2,000, while motorized versions can rival the price of a used car. Beyond the financial burden, a damaged or lost wheelchair can severely impact a person’s health and well-being, potentially leading to pressure sores, infections, and a loss of independence.

Mia Ives-Rublee, director of the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress, emphasizes that airlines have historically prioritized profit over the needs of disabled passengers. “Airlines aren’t doing enough to protect our devices,” she said, adding that this lack of protection makes it “very difficult for disabled people to travel.”

A History of Advocacy and the ADA

The struggle for accessible air travel is not new. It’s rooted in the broader fight for disability rights that culminated in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA aimed to prohibit discrimination based on disability and ensure equal access to opportunities for all Americans.

However, implementation of the ADA, particularly in the context of air travel, has been an ongoing process. Advocates have long argued that airlines have not consistently prioritized the needs of passengers with disabilities, leading to issues like damaged wheelchairs, inadequate assistance, and a lack of accessible facilities.

What’s at Stake?

The delay of the new regulations represents a setback for the disability community. Advocates fear that without clear accountability measures, airlines will continue to prioritize efficiency and cost-cutting over the safety and dignity of their disabled passengers.

“Given the nature of the administration right now, I doubt they’re putting much effort into protecting” the Biden-era regulations,” Ives-Rublee stated.

McBride, while acknowledging the complexities of regulation, believes that basic safety and accessibility shouldn’t be partisan issues. He suggests that policymakers and airline executives experience air travel as a wheelchair user firsthand. “Proceed on a trip with my rugby team and see what it’s like when you have multiple wheelchair users on the same plane,” he said, “and how difficult it is and why we feel like regulations are needed so we can have a modicum of safety and dignity when we’re flying.”

The core issue, McBride argues, is about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in society. “It’s a safety thing,” he said. “Regulations are there for a reason. It’s when private companies aren’t necessarily doing a good enough job protecting the safety or the rights of all people within a society.”