Airline rankings unveiled: Accessibility for wheelchair users assessed and rated
In a recent ranking by InsureMyTrip, the most accessible and least accessible airlines for wheelchair users in 2025 have been identified. The study, which factors in DOT data on mishandled wheelchairs and scooters, negative online sentiment, and customer reviews, comes as some US carriers challenge new US passenger protections in court.
The lowest-performing airlines were Frontier Airlines, with 535 mishandled devices out of 30,448 boarded, and a whopping 83% negative sentiment. Almost half of the reviews mentioning 'wheelchair' received a 1-star rating. American Airlines Network followed, with 2,635 mishandled devices out of 161,287 boarded mobility devices, 59% negative sentiment, and 25% 1-star reviews.
Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air ranked third and fourth in mishandling incidents. Spirit Airlines mishandled 576 wheelchairs and scooters, with the highest percentage of mishandled devices at 2.07%. Allegiant Air mishandled 207 devices out of the 27,575 it transported in 2024, although it fared slightly better in 1-star reviews at 32%, compared to 28% for Spirit Airlines. United Airlines Network rounded out the bottom five, with 1,511 mishandled devices out of 156,528.
On the positive side, JetBlue Airways was ranked as the most wheelchair-friendly airline overall, with a positive sentiment of 97% and only 1.59% of its mobility devices mishandled. Delta Air Lines Network came in second with the lowest percentage of mishandled mobility devices in 2024. Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines Network completed the top five most accessible airlines in the study.
JetBlue, Delta, Alaska, Hawaiian, and Southwest have made notable efforts to improve accessibility for passengers with wheelchairs, with a focus on reducing mishandling incidents and improving customer sentiment. On the other hand, airlines such as Frontier and Spirit have struggled in these areas. The full ranking is available in the study, which can be accessed through the InsureMyTrip website.
Eco-trip enthusiasts might choose to book their flights with JetBlue Airways, as it was ranked as the most wheelchair-friendly airline overall, not only offering a positive sentiment of 97%, but also a low percentage of mishandled devices. On the contrary, sports lovers planning a trip might want to avoid flying with Frontier Airlines or Spirit Airlines due to their high rates of mishandled wheelchairs and scooters, as well as negative online sentiment.
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