U.S. commercial aircraft must have accessible restrooms

02-08-23

The Department of Transportation has announced an amendment to the Air Carrier Accessibility Act to ensure that people in wheelchairs can use the service.

The current U.S. administration, led by President Joe Biden, wants to set clear limits on airlines in the interest of passenger rights. After forcing airlines to seat minors with their parents when traveling together, now, on the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the U.S. wants all commercial aircraft to have accessible restrooms.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced an amendment to the Air Carrier Accessibility Act to improve the accessibility of restrooms on single-aisle aircraft. Specifically, new single-aisle aircraft will be required to have restrooms large enough to allow a passenger with a disability and an attendant to use the lavatory.

"Traveling can be stressful enough without having to worry about being able to access a restroom; however, millions of wheelchair users are forced to choose between dehydrating themselves before boarding an airplane or avoiding air travel altogether," explained Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

Reactions to the announcement have been swift and the Paralyzed Veterans of America has already issued a statement thanking "the efforts of Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the Department for bringing this fundamental rule to the finish line."

"We are thrilled that we finally have a rule that means future passengers with disabilities will be able to address basic bodily needs with dignity on an airplane. We now call on airlines to comply with the requirement as soon as possible," the statement sentences.