Airline Accused of Bias Against Disabled

The government last week charged Continental Airlines with discriminating against disabled passengers and sought a $250,000 penalty against the fifth largest U.S. carrier.

The Department of Transportation said complaints filed with the government alleged inadequate assistance to wheelchair-dependent passengers in 1997 and 1998. It also cited records of complaints received by Continental showing 13 instances of stranding passengers with disabilities aboard aircraft or in terminal areas and about 100 allegations of negligent handling of wheelchair-dependent passengers.

The airline said it will vigorously contest the charges. “Continental strongly denies that the complaints at issue in any way reflect a pattern or policy of discrimination,” said spokeswoman Sarah Anthony.