WHEELChairs on Airplanes Act

HR 1772, the WHEELChairs on Airplanes Act, requires airlines to follow federal safety standards for transporting lithium-ion-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids, directly affecting travelers with disabilities who use these devices. The bill mandates the FAA to conduct an annual survey of airline policies, identifying any that are stricter than safety standards (49 C.F.R. §175.10), and requires airlines to update noncompliant policies within 180 days or face civil penalties. It ensures airlines cannot arbitrarily deny boarding for compliant devices, aligning with existing disability protections under 49 U.S.C. §41705. The law focuses on enforcement through transparency and accountability, not new travel rules.