United airlines will make changes for wheelchair users.

United will employ a search function online that allows users to search for flights with enough cargo space to accommodate their wheelchairs. If forced to book a different flight because their first option would not accommodate their wheelchair, United will pay the difference. 

The decision stemmed from the case of disabled rights activists Engracia Figueroa, who said her $30,000 custom wheelchair was mishandled by United some two years ago during a flight. Because her custom wheelchair was so badly damaged, she had to temporarily use a loaner wheelchair that led to other health problems that caused her to be twice hospitalized.