On July 26, the Department of Transportation (DOT) released the long-awaited rule on accessible lavatories on larger single-aisle aircraft. The release of the final rule represents decades of advocacy by PVA and other disability organizations to require a wheelchair accessible lavatory on single-aisle aircraft. Twin-aisle aircraft are already required to have such a lavatory.

The rule reflects much of the agreement reached during a 2016 negotiated rulemaking between airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and disability stakeholders. PVA participated in the negotiated rulemaking. The agreement required at least one wheelchair accessible lavatory on larger single-aisle aircraft (maximum seating capacity of at least 125 seats) reachable by an on-board wheelchair. The lavatory must accommodate a passenger with a disability, a caregiver, and the on-board wheelchair behind a closed door. Airlines were given approximately two decades to comply, which we accepted in 2016 in order to have a date certain after which the requirement would finally go into effect.

In the final rule, DOT retained the lavatory requirements previously outlined but decreased the amount of time airlines have to comply. We had asked DOT to recognize the lengthy delay from the date of the agreement to the final rule in assigning a timeframe for compliance. The final rule requires airlines to comply within 10-12 years. We are pleased that DOT shortened the compliance time.

The final rule also includes required features for on-board wheelchairs, including the need for a padded seat and backrest and arm supports that are structurally sound but permit unobstructed transfers. The on-board wheelchair must also be the height of the aircraft seat and have wheel locks that permit safe transfers. These chairs will be required on planes with a maximum seating capacity of 125 passengers for planes delivered on or after three years from the date the final rule is published in the federal register. If the on-board wheelchair won’t fit in a non-accessible lavatory with the passenger and allow the door to close, then airlines must provide a visual barrier to allow the lavatory to be used with the door open. Flight attendants will also need to be trained to assist passengers on the on-board wheelchair to and from the lavatory.

To read the final rule, click here.