Proposed rule would improve accessibility of airplane bathrooms
The Biden administration announced a plan to implement rules that would require airlines to make restrooms more accessible to all passengers.
The proposed rule notice filed Friday by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), would require carriers make at least one lavatory on new, single-aisle aircraft large enough to accommodate passengers with disabilities. In a statement, the department called this rule one of its “highest priority initiatives,” arguing it advances equity and reduces discrimination.
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As of now though, it could be close to two decades before the changes start showing up on new planes.
At present, U.S. code only requires carriers make a lavatory accessible on planes with more than one aisle. In other words, the rules would apply to large planes like a Boeing 777, 787 or an Airbus A380 and plenty of other aircraft. Specifically, the rules require a restroom space large enough for a passenger with a disability to approach, enter and maneuver within the lavatory, with access to all facilities.
Related: What does accessible travel mean to you?
The same rules do not exist for single-aisle aircraft which, which the DOT pointed out, operate “the vast majority of domestic flights,” including a large number cross-country flights. The DOT said this often leads to disabled passengers choosing to dehydrate themselves before a flight to avoid needing to use the restroom. Often, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, disabled passengers will choose not to fly at all.
Last summer, TPG reported on some of the challenges passengers face while navigating airports and aircraft in a wheelchair.
Gabrielle deFiebre, whose wheelchair was damaged on board a flight from New York to Phoenix, told TPG in an interview how she approaches travel, with her concerns about using the restroom in mind.
“I don’t eat very much or drink because I can’t access the bathroom on the plane,” she said in 2021. “I obviously can’t drink [alcohol]. I don’t want to risk having to use the bathroom.”
Related: These are the most wheelchair-accessible cities around the world
“This rule would make airplane lavatories more accessible for passengers with disabilities, and bring us one step closer to the day when air travel is possible for everyone,” Buttigieg said in a statement Friday.
The changes have been the topic of discussion for years. According to the DOT, 2016 negotiations with several organizations, including the National Disability Rights Network, Association of Flight Attendants, Airbus and airlines led to an understanding that the rules would apply to new planes ordered 18 years after the final rule is implemented. The DOT is planning to hear input later this month, though, at which point it may choose to accelerate that timeline.
Related: Tips for finding accessible home rentals
Through the DOT, the Paralyzed Veterans of America organization also issued a statement on Friday, in which National President Charles Brown said the he was “pleased” by the rule, and added, “We must have lavatory access as soon as possible.”
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Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees