A new rule finalized by the Department of Transportation requires that any new single-aisle airplane with 125 seats or more must have larger, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. The bathrooms must have features like grab bars, accessible faucets and controls and accessible call buttons and door locks. Airlines will also be required to train crew on how to stow wheelchairs and assist passengers to and from the bathrooms.
The rule will apply to new planes ordered within 10 years or delivered in 12 years, and airlines will be required to add the features on all new single-aisle planes delivered in three years. Airlines won’t have to upgrade existing planes, but will have to add these features if a bathroom is replaced.
The rule notes that some single-aisle aircraft have large enough bathrooms, but that the majority are too small to accommodate wheelchairs or attendants. It also clarifies that accessible lavatories have been required on twin-aisle planes for years.
This new rule follows the DOT’s first-ever bill of rights for airline passengers with disabilities, which outlined basic rights including prohibiting airlines from refusing transportation due to a disability.
“Traveling can be stressful enough without worrying about being able to access a restroom; yet today, millions of wheelchair users are forced to choose between dehydrating themselves before boarding a plane or avoiding air travel altogether,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement. “We are proud to announce this rule that will make airplane bathrooms larger and more accessible, ensuring travelers in wheelchairs are afforded the same access and dignity as the rest of the traveling public.”