On July 26, 2023, the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Department of Transportation announced a new rule requiring all US airlines to make bathrooms more accessible for wheelchair users.
New single-aisle aircraft must be fitted with fully accessible lavatories. The lavatory must be expanded in size to accommodate a wheelchair user and their attendant/caregiver. This new requirement will go into effect for single-aisle aircraft that is ordered for at least 10 years from now or to be at least 12 years from now.
For several years, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation has been working with a coalition of disability organizations on this issue. This is a huge win in the fight for accessible air travel!
Read the full official Department of Transportation Press Release here.