The U.S. Department of Transportation has imposed a record $50 million fine on American Airlines following an investigation that revealed multiple violations of laws protecting passengers with disabilities from 2019 to 2023. The investigation found that American mishandled thousands of wheelchairs, provided unsafe assistance to passengers, and failed to deliver timely help, leading to injuries and significant inconvenience. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that this penalty aims to set a new standard of accountability in the airline industry for the treatment of disabled individuals. The fine includes a requirement for American Airlines to invest $25 million towards improving services for disabled passengers, or face additional penalties. The scrutiny intensified after a viral video showed baggage handlers mishandling a passenger's wheelchair, highlighting ongoing issues within the industry. Buttigieg stated, 'The era of tolerating poor treatment of airline passengers with disabilities is over,' signaling a commitment to uphold their rights.