S. 4829 — Air Carrier Access Amendments Act

This section finds that individuals with disabilities, including veterans, continue to face barriers to air travel such as damaged assistive devices, inaccessible aircraft, inadequate assistance, and improper treatment of service animals. It expresses the sense of Congress that the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 must be updated to improve access and establish a private right of action.

This section requires the Secretary of Transportation to assess civil penalties under section 46301 for specified violations against passengers with disabilities, including damage to or loss of wheelchairs or scooters, physical harm or death, failure to provide required aisle chair assistance, improper denial of boarding or service animal access, and gross negligence. It authorizes referral of patterns or practices of discrimination to the Attorney General and permits aggrieved individuals to file civil actions in federal district court for compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, and other relief without first exhausting administrative remedies.