The "Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2026" aims to significantly enhance the rights and remedies available to air transportation passengers with disabilities. Congress finds that despite existing law, individuals with disabilities continue to encounter substantial barriers, such as damaged assistive devices, inadequate assistance, and inaccessible aircraft. To address these issues, the bill mandates the assessment of civil penalties for specific violations, including the delay, loss, or significant damage to wheelchairs, physical harm to passengers, and improper denial of boarding or service animal access. A pivotal change introduced by this legislation is the establishment of a private right of action , enabling individuals aggrieved by discrimination to directly bring civil lawsuits against air carriers for appropriate relief, including compensatory and punitive damages. This provision explicitly removes the requirement for individuals to exhaust administrative remedies before filing suit. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Attorney General to initiate civil actions on behalf of aggrieved individuals, seeking equitable relief, damages, and civil penalties, thereby providing robust enforcement mechanisms against air carrier discrimination.