AMERICA WEST SETTLEMENT VS

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TODAY ANNOUNCED THE ISSUANCE OF AN ORDER REFLECTING A SETTLEMENT WITH AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, REGARDING THEIR TREATMENT OF DISABLED PASSENGERS. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED A NUMBER OF A.C.A.A. VIOLATIONS TO WHEELCHAIR BOUND INDIVIDUALS INCLUDING FAILURE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE, PROLONGED DELAYS IN OBTAINING ASSISTANCE, AND STRANDING THOSE INDIVIDUALS IN THE TERMINAL OR ONBOARD AIRCRAFT FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. THE TERMS OF THE $850,000 SETTLEMENT ALLOWS AMERICA WEST TO USE $775,000 TOWARD IMPROVING SERVICES TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES BEYOND THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE A.C.A.A. RULES.