DOT Requires Wheelchair-Accessible Airliner Lavatories (Eventually) – The Eno Center for Transportation

The Department of Transportation Mandates Upgrades to Airplane Lavatories for Wheelchair Accessibility

The Department of Transportation issued a final rule this week mandating that airlines upgrade the lavatories in their single-aisle jetliners to ensure wheelchair accessibility. The rule requires that at least one restroom per plane is large enough for a wheelchair-bound person and an attendant to fit inside at the same time, with the door closed. However, aircraft manufacturers and airline interior layout designers have been given a decade to figure out how to comply with the new requirements.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of this rule in promoting equal access and dignity for travelers with disabilities. He stated, “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.”

Larger, Wheelchair-Accessible Lavatories

The Air Carrier Access Act was passed by Congress in 1986, which required accessible lavatories on aircraft with more than one aisle. However, this requirement did not extend to single-aisle aircraft, as they were primarily used for short-distance flights. The new rule acknowledges that this assumption is no longer valid, as single-aisle aircraft are increasingly used for long-haul flights. The percentage of flights between 1,500 and 3,000 miles flown by single-aisle aircraft has increased from less than 40 percent in 1991 to 86 percent in 2021.

The new rule sets forth a timeline for implementing wheelchair-accessible lavatories:

1. Late September 2024 – All requests for new aircraft type certifications for single-aisle passenger airliners with 125 or more seats must include at least one two-person wheelchair-accessible lavatory.
2. Late September 2026 – All new single-aisle aircraft with 125 or more seats delivered after this date must have at least one lavatory that includes specific accessibility features.
3. Late September 2033 – All new single-aisle airliners with at least 125 seats ordered after this date must include at least one wheelchair-accessible lavatory large enough for a person with a disability and an attendant.
4. Late September 2035 – All new single-aisle airliners with at least 125 seats delivered after this date must include at least one two-person wheelchair-accessible lavatory.

The rule does not specify the exact dimensions of a two-person wheelchair-accessible lavatory, but it is expected to accommodate individuals equivalent in size to a 95th percentile male.

Other Wheelchair Reforms

In addition to the lavatory upgrades, the final rule also includes reforms related to on-board wheelchairs (OBW). Starting in late September 2026, airlines must have the following equipment and policies in place:

• The OBW must facilitate safe transfer to and from the aircraft seat, have locking wheels, and have adequate padding, supports, and restraints.
• The OBW must permit partial entry into the lavatory in a forward position to allow for transfer from the OBW to the toilet.
• The OBW must be maneuverable into the lavatory to completely close the lavatory door. If this is not possible, airlines must provide a visual barrier upon request. The OBW must be stowed in any safe available stowage space.
• Airlines must provide annual hands-on training regarding OBW use, stowage, and assisting passengers to/from the lavatory on the OBW. Information about lavatory accessibility features must be available within the aircraft and on airline websites.
• The International Symbol of Accessibility must be applied or removed from lavatories based on their ability to accommodate an assisted independent transfer from the OBW to the toilet seat.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• SDG 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include:

• Number of single-aisle jetliners with wheelchair-accessible lavatories by late September 2033 (Target: SDG 11.2)
• Availability of equipment and policies for on-board wheelchairs (OBW) by late September 2026 (Target: SDG 10.2)
• Presence of grab bars, accessible faucets and controls, accessible call buttons and door locks, minimum obstruction to the passage of an on-board wheelchair (OBW), toe clearance, and an available visual barrier for privacy in lavatories (Target: SDG 10.2)
• Removal or application of the International Symbol of Accessibility on lavatories based on their ability to accommodate assisted independent transfers from OBW to toilet seat (Target: SDG 10.2)

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: enotrans.org

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.