by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:55 AM ET, Thu July 27, 2023
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) announced
a new rule that requires airline bathrooms to be more accessible.
As part of the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), the DOT now requires airlines to make lavatories on new
single-aisle aircraft large enough to permit a passenger with a disability and
attendant, both equivalent in size to a 95th percentile male.
The bathrooms must allow the two people to approach, enter
and maneuver within as necessary.
“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,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
said.
“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,” Buttigieg
continued.
In addition, the DOT has made major recent investments to
make infrastructure more accessible, including awarding billions of dollars to
add wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms and more to airport terminals, as
well as retrofitting rail and subway stations with elevators, ramps and other
improvements.
Government officials have also laid the groundwork for
potential rule changes that would address passengers staying in their own
wheelchairs when they fly and how airline staff assists passengers with
disabilities.
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