wheelchair

Explore Mystic Seaport and More!

Explore Mystic Seaport and More!

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Mystic Lighthouse

Located 100 miles southwest of Boston, Mystic, Connecticut was a major shipbuilding center during the 1600s. Today the streets of this quintessential New England village are dotted with an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, souvenir shops and eateries. But Mystic is more than just a spot to load up on tourist tchotchkes. This coastal village is also home to two top attractions — both of which focus on the ocean. The Mystic Seaport Museum highlights the maritime and shipbuilding history of the area, while the Mystic Aquarium focuses on creatures and ecology of the sea. And the good news is, both of these popular attractions offer good access for slow walkers and wheelchair-users.

The Historic Seaport

Historic Buildings at the Mystic Seaport Museum

The Mystic Seaport Museum (www.mysticseaport.org) is a required stop on any Mystic visit. This 19-acre open-air museum focuses on maritime history and is filled with shipyard exhibits, historic vessels and maritime galleries. And it’s all built around a replica of a 19th century seafaring village.

Accessible parking is available in the south lot, with ramped access to the Sanger Visitor Reception Center across the street. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the front desk, and a large accessible restroom is located in this building. And the good news is, disabled guests and one companion receive a 50 percent discount on admission.

The seafaring village is filled with over 40 historic and reconstructed buildings. The roads through the village are mostly unpaved but level. The one exception is the area around the Children’s Museum and the Treworgy Planetarium, which has a slight incline. About a third of the village buildings feature level access but many have a step or two at the entrance, narrow doorways and very tight quarters inside. That said, there’s still lots to see for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

Take some time to roll through the shipyard, and have a look at the drug store, chapel and shipsmith shop, all of which are accessible. There’s also an accessible path out to the replica of the Brant Point Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point. And don’t miss the Charles W. Morgan Whaleship. Although there’s only stairway access to the vessel, you can still get a good look at it from the dock.

There’s also barrier-free access to most of the inside exhibits, which feature everything from ship carvings and folk art to silver trophies, shop figures and even a rare carousel hippocampus. There’s plenty to see and do — for everyone — in Mystic Seaport.

Under the Sea

Beluga Whale at the Mystic Aquarium

For a slightly different perspective of the sea, head on over to the Mystic Aquarium (www.mysticaquarium.org), where you’ll find everything from sharks and manta rays, to seals, sea lions and even Beluga whales.

There’s barrier-free access to the aquarium, with level access over to the Gift Store and the Saltwater Cafe. Accessible family restroom are located next to the Saltwater Cafe, and loaner wheelchairs are available at the front gate. And, if you are visiting with a personal care assistant, there’s no charge for their admission. Contact the admissions office for more information.

There is good access throughout the campus, with accessible pathways outside, and barrier-free access to the inside exhibits. The spacious indoor gallery features a 35,000-gallon tank filled with eels, pufferfish, sharks and rays. There’s also a ray touch pool, an interesting Amazon exhibit and a large collection of jellyfish. Best of all, you can wheel right up to the glass tank in the main gallery for an up-close-and-personal look at the inhabitants.

Outside, there’s also an impressive collection of marine exhibits. At the top of the list is the Beluga whale exhibit. You can roll right over and get an eye level look at these giants. And don’t miss the incredibly cute African penguins. The excellent Roger Tory Peterson Penguin Pavilion offers visitors an up-close-and-personal look at these comical creatures, both above and below the water.

Finally, check out the 200-foot Marsh Trek accessible boardwalk, for a close look at a variety of freshwater species including mallards, herons, bullfrogs and turtles. And make sure and stop at the seal pup play space on your way out. They are almost as entertaining as the African penguins, and it’s the perfect way to top off any Mystic Aquarium visit.

Barrier-Free Travel
22 Accessible Road Trips
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Glacier National Park

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Known as the “Crown of the Continent” because the Continental Divide bisects the park, Glacier National Park encompasses more than a million acres of coniferous forests, alpine meadows, pristine lakes and glacier-carved peaks. The wildlife in the park is just as diverse at the landscape that supports it, and it includes elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and one of the largest remaining grizzly populations in the lower 48 states.

Insider Tips

  • A well kept secret along Going-to-the-Sun Road, Red Rock Point offers a beautiful view of McDonald Creek cascading down over the massive red rocks. The turnout is located about a mile north of the Trail of the Cedars on the left side of the road. Keep your eyes peeled when you get close, as there is absolutely no signage to mark the overlook. There’s accessible parking near a hard-packed dirt path that leads .06 miles out to a boardwalk viewing platform.
  • Although the historic Red Buses of Glacier National Park are not wheelchair-accessible, Xanterra Parks and Resorts has two wheelchair-accessible vehicles in their. The lift-equipped buses have roll-up plastic flaps on the windows, and passengers get a full view of everything around them, thanks to an on-board camera and monitors Even better — the accessible vehicle is booked solely for your party, so you get a private tour at the regular tour price.
  • In addition to an entrance fee or a park pass, a day use entrance reservation is also required for Glacier National Park visitors during peak visitation periods in the summer. Entrance reservations are currently required for the West Entrance Station, the Camas Entrance Station and Many Glacier Valley. That said the park adjusts the system annually, so check the park website for the most current information. Entrance reservations are not available at the park. They must be purchased at recreation.gov in advance. Visitors without an entrance reservation will not be admitted.

Glacier National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teton National Park

More About Glacier National Park

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas

Barrier-Free Travel
Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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airplane

Will Flying in Your Wheelchair Ever Happen?

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If you follow accessible travel at all, you’ve probably noticed an uptick of articles about the possibility of staying in your own wheelchair to fly. A few airlines have released prototypes of “accessible” flip up seating units with wheelchair tie-downs; and a number of disability rights organizations have championed the “flying in your wheelchair” movement.

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2025 Air Carrier Access Act Updates

2025 Air Carrier Access Act Updates

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Enacted in 1986, the Air Carrier Access Act, covers access-related travel issues on all US airlines, and on foreign airlines on flights to and from the US. And as with many regulations, it’s continually updated. The 2025 Air Carrier Act updates include minor wording changes and definitions, updated training requirements, and some specific changes in existing regulations. This update of the regulations focuses mainly on preventing and mitigating wheelchair damage, and providing timely and appropriate repairs when it does occur. Here are the highlights of what to expect in 2025. These 2025 Air Carrier Access Act Updates will take effect January 16, 2025 unless otherwise noted.

Notification upon Loading Wheelchair

As of December 17, 2025, airlines covered by the Air Carrier Access Act will be required to notify passengers when their assistive devices have been loaded and unloaded from the cargo hold.

Publication of Cargo Hold Dimensions

Airlines will be required to publish the dimensions of their cargo holds — and any limitations they may have — on their websites. This applies to all the aircraft in their fleet.

Prompt Return of Delayed Assistive Devices

As of June 6, 2025 airlines will be required to deliver delayed assistive devices within 24 hours for a domestic flight, 12 hours for an international flight, and 30 hours for a long international flight (more than 12 hours). The passenger will have the choice of picking up the delayed assistive device at the airport or having it delivered to a reasonable location.

Reimbursement For Accessible Ground Transportation

Passengers will be reimbursed for accessible ground transportation should they decide to pick up their delayed assistive device at the airport.

Prompt Repair or Replacement of Damaged Assistive Devices

As of March 17, 2025 carriers must offer passengers a choice in regards to repair or replacement of damaged assistive devices. Passengers can opt to have the carrier arrange for repair or replacement, or the passenger can arrange for repair or replacement at their chosen vendor. If the latter option is chosen, the carrier will transport the assistive device to the repair location and pay for the needed repairs.

It should be noted that the Montreal Convention still remains in effect for the liability limits for assistive devices damaged or lost on international flights. The carrier liability limit for this is $1731.

Appropriate Loaner Wheelchairs

If the airline provides a loaner assistive device because of loss or damage, and it does not meet the passenger’s needs, the passenger can find an appropriate substitute elsewhere. If this happens, the airline must reimburse the passenger for the rental within 30 days. The airline can require receipts, invoices or other documentation.

Rebooking Requirements for Service Failures

If a passenger’s assistive device will not fit into the cargo hold, the airline must book the passenger on the next available flight that can accommodate it. This will be done at no additional charge, even if a partner carrier is used.

New Onboard Wheelchair Standards

Finally, the 2025 Air Carrier Access Act updates include requirements for new safety standards and accessibility features for on-board wheelchairs. These include adequate padding, locking wheels, restraints and new size requirements. They go into effect for new aisle chairs purchased on twin aisle aircraft and aircraft with over 60 seats on October 2, 2026. And they go into effect for all other covered aircraft on October 2, 2031.

For more information about your rights under the Air Carrier Access Act, visit https://emerginghorizons.com/the-disabled-air-travelers-bill-of-rights/

 

nyc cab

Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis in New York City “Still” Coming

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Have you ever become frustrated at not being able to find wheelchair-accessible taxis in New York City? Well, your not alone. And this problem goes back decades. In 2011 a group of disabled advocates finally got together and decided to do something about it. At that time only 2% of active taxi medallions were assigned to accessible vehicles in New York City. So a class action lawsuit was filed against the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) for their failure to adequately provide wheelchair-accessible taxis in New York City.

Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis in New York City Ruling

And the result of this litigation was a groundbreaking settlement agreement on May 30, 2014. The settlement agreement required the TLC to make at least 50% of its fleet wheelchair-accessible by 2020. And 2020 seemed like a long way away in 2014. Six years later when the deadline rolled around, guess what? Only 42% of New York City cabs were wheelchair accessible.

So off to court they went again. This time the plaintiffs (Taxis for All, Dr. Simi Linton, United Spinal Association and the 504 Democratic Club) filed a motion to enforce the original agreement, while the TLC filed a motion to be relieved of it’s obligations under the agreement.

And the result was a decision that was released on August 29, 2024. The TLC was ordered to make 100% of all new taxis wheelchair-accessible, until that original 50% requirement is met. The plaintiffs also asked for a “Special Master” to be appointed to “determine what additional steps defendants can and should take to accelerate the accessibility of yellow taxis.” This was denied; however the judge stated that they may renew this request if the TLC fails to meet the Active Medallion Requirement by March 31, 2025.

So although access to taxis in New York City has greatly improved since 2011, it still has a ways to go. Thanks to all the advocates and their counsel (Disability Rights Advocates and the law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton) for pushing forward for this much needed access.

 

Wheelchair-Accessible Cruise Tips

Wheelchair-Accessible Cruise Tips

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Cruises are an excellent choice for an accessible vacation, as most of the newer cruise ships have good wheelchair access. Additionally, you can visit many ports on a cruise, but you only have to unpack once. And cruises are also a great multigenerational vacation choice. With that in mind, here are a few helpful tips to help you plan a wheelchair-accessible cruise. 

Planning Your Wheelchair-Accessible Cruise

  • Contact the cruise line’s Special Needs Department for detailed access information or special access requests.
  • Remember to request pier assistance when you book your cruise. Disabled passengers are given priority boarding upon advance request.
  • Most ships have wheelchairs that can be borrowed for embarkation. If however , you need one full-time or ashore, you need to bring your own or arrange for a rental to be delivered to your cabin. Contact the cruise line for a list of their approved vendors.
  • Outside vendors can also provide Hoyer lifts and other medical equipment; but make user you order these from an approved vendor.
  • Some cruise lines can also provide special equipment, such as commode chairs or shower chairs, upon advance request.
  • Don’t assume all accessible cabins are the same. If you need a specific feature, such as a roll-in shower, ask if it’s available.
  • The best advice comes from people who have recently cruised, so check out the “Disabled Cruiser” section of the Cruise Critic website (cruisecritic.com). It’s an excellent place to gather information about accessible shore excursions that you can book on your own.
  • Plan ahead! Accessible cabins are in short supply so try to book at least 6-9 months in advance to get your first choice of sailing dates. Accessible balcony cabins on Alaska cruises go like hotcakes, so book those as soon as they become available.

Things to Remember

  • Slow walkers who use scooters and don’t have the need for an accessible cabin need to make sure that standard cabin doorways are wide enough to accommodate their equipment. Most cruise lines don’t allow scooters to be parked in hallways.
  • If you use a power wheelchair or scooter, make sure the electrical supply on the ship is compatible with your battery charger. It’s also a good idea to pack an extension cord and a power strip, as electric outlets are limited. If you do this, make sure to clear it with the special needs department, as these are usually prohibited on board. 
  • If you use a scooter or a wheelchair, request a table near the door in the dining room. There’s very little space between the tables, and the closer to the entrance you are, the easier it will be navigate.
  • Become familiar with the tendering procedures of your preferred cruise line. Some cruise lines hand-carry wheelchair-users aboard tenders, some use mechanical devices and some do not permit power wheelchair-users to tender at all.
  • It’s also important to recognize that any port has the potential to become a tender port, due to port traffic and conditions. 
  • Ask a lot of questions about ship sponsored shore excursions. In some cases you have to be able to climb up the steps of a tour bus in order to participate. Do your research and plan your own accessible shore excursions if possible.
  • It’s also important to plan your shore excursion as far in advance as possible. In some ports they are very limited, and they are usually not available for last minute bookings.

Once Aboard

  • If you’d like to use the pool, make sure the lift is in working order on the first day. If it’s not, then report it, so the crew will have plenty of time to recharge or repair it.
  • If you take along a manual wheelchair, mark it clearly with your name or personalize it in some way, so it won’t be mistaken for one of the ship’s wheelchairs.
  • Take a tour of the ship on the first day and locate the accessible restrooms on each deck. Make note of the locations for future use.
  • Last but not least, if you use a power wheelchair or scooter, consider bringing along a manual wheelchair for use in port. This is especially helpful in Caribbean ports, where it’s difficult to find lift-equipped transportation.

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California National Park
Road Trips
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How to Resolve a Wheelchair-Access Travel Complaint

How to Resolve a Wheelchair-Access Travel Complaint

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Ever wonder why some people end up with upgrades and refunds whenever they make a wheelchair-access travel complaint, while others walk away with zero compensation? Truth be told, it’s all in the details. Knowing when to complain, how to complain and who to complain to are the keys to not only resolving the issue at hand, but also to receiving adequate compensation for your inconvenience. So the next time you encounter an access-related problem on the road, follow this roadmap for prompt resolution and adequate compensation.

Save Your Trip

The first and foremost rule about making a wheelchair-access travel complaint is to address the problem at hand. If your wheelchair arrives damaged, request a suitable loaner from the airline. If that supposedly accessible bus arrives but has two steps, request an appropriate replacement. If you arrive at a hotel to find that they gave your accessible room away, have them find you one at another property. Try and remedy the access shortfall, so you can salvage your vacation and enjoy the rest of your trip.

Additionally, you should try to prevent further damage. In other words, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. For example, if you miss a connection because the airline didn’t have a wheelchair waiting at the gate for you, don’t just throw in the towel. Work with the airline to get on the next available flight, so you can at least enjoy part of your vacation.

Don’t be afraid to address your loss while you are trying to mitigate damages, but don’t put a dollar price tag on it. For example, in the case of the missed connection, if the next available flight isn’t until late at night, don’t be afraid to point out that you are missing a whole day of vacation because of their error. And then ask if perhaps an upgrade is available. Keep in mind, this doesn’t wipe the slate clean, but it will make your travels more comfortable.

It’s also a good idea to jot down a few notes about the incident while it’s fresh in your mind. Write down times, dates and names if you have them. Then, put the notebook away, and don’t dwell on the incident. Enjoy what’s left of your vacation, then address the matter when you return home.

When You Return Home

The time to file an official wheelchair-access travel complaint with a service provider is after you return from your trip. And although every situation is different, here are some tips to help you approach the official complaint process.

  • Although it’s easy to pick up the phone, your complaint will receive more attention if you put it in writing.
  • Address the appropriate person. Don’t start with the President or CEO, but instead begin at the bottom and work your way up. You want to be able to show that you followed the company’s complaint procedure in an effort to resolve your accessibility issue.
  • Keep your complaint letter short and to the point. It should be no longer than one page. Avoid superfluous details and get to the point quickly.
  • Keep it polite, professional and G-rated. Abstain from vulgarities and name-calling.
  • Have someone who isn’t emotionally invested in the incident proofread your letter for clarity.
  • Never threaten to sue or to file an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint in your initial complaint. This just creates an adversarial situation and makes the matter harder to resolve.
  • If you are going to quote the law, make sure you know the law.
  • Make sure and enclose all documentation, including receipts and photos.
  • Most important, ask for some type of resolution. Don’t be afraid to ask for specific compensation, but be realistic. If you’re reasonable with your request, most companies will be generous in their response.

Make it Official

You should also file an official ADA or Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) complaint when you return home. This can be done in addition to your complaint with the provider, and even if you received compensation from them. This type of a complaint won’t get you anything personally, but it may help effect change.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) look for patterns, and the number of complaints against individual companies. If they see a lot of a certain type of complaint, they can issue fines and directives to help avoid future access-related failures. And that in turn may lead to better compliance in the future.

Plus it’s pretty easy to file an official wheelchair-access travel complaint.

If your issue involves travel on a US airline anywhere in the world, or on a foreign airline on a flight to or from the US, then you can file an ACAA complaint. Details about the complaint process can be found at www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaints-alleging-discriminatory-treatment-against-disabled-travelers. And the complaint form is located at secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint. It’s also a good idea to check out this primer (emerginghorizons.com/the-disabled-air-travelers-bill-of-rights) on your basic rights under the ACAA before you file a complaint.

If your issue involves physical access at a hotel, attraction, restaurant, outdoor area or venue in the United States, then you can file an ADA complaint. Information about an ADA complaint can be found at www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint.  And the online form is located at civilrights.justice.gov/report.

Filing an official complaint is the final step in the process. And again, although it won’t benefit you personally, it can help to make the world a more accessible place.

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22 Accessible Road Trips
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Accessible Poland Tours

Accessible Poland Tours

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Street in Kraków, Poland

Based in Krakow, Active Poland offers a number of accessible Poland tours for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The customized Krakow tours can include everything from a stroll around town, to a museum hopping itinerary, and even attending concerts and festivals. All accessible tours are conducted in a wheelchair-accessible van with seating for one wheelchair-user and five other passengers.

Other tours that are doable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers include excursions to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Bochnia Salt Mine, Zakopane and the John Paul II Trail. Active Poland can also book accessible accommodations and assist with restaurant and nightlife suggestions. Rental wheelchairs and stair lifts are also available. For more information on Active Poland accessible offerings, visit poland-active.com/en/Trips/Trips-For-Handicapped-In-Krakow,ig.

Barrier-Free Travel
101 Accessible Vacations
Travel Ideas
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Flying with a Wheelchair — Air Travel Tips and More

Flying with a Wheelchair — Air Travel Tips and More

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Travel by its very nature requires a good amount of preparation, especially when it includes air travel. Factor a disability into that equation and the complexity increases. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips for flying with a wheelchair.

Before You Go

  • The first thing you should do if you are flying with a wheelchair is to learn the law so you know what to expect. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) — not the Americans with Disabilities Act — is that law that covers access on all US carriers, and foreign carriers on flights to and from the US. You can find the ACAA at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382.
  • Flying with a wheelchair in some parts of the world can come with some additional problems. If your trip involves domestic flights in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, learn about the local access laws. Many domestic carriers in these regions have denied boarding to unaccompanied wheelchair-users. Choose your airline carefully.
  • Request a seat with a flip-up armrest when you make your reservation, as it makes transfers easier.
  • If you need a non-ticketed escort to accompany you to the gate, advise the airline of this when you make your reservation. Your escort will be asked for photo identification and given a security checkpoint pass.
  • Even if you don’t routinely use a wheelchair at home, consider requesting an airport wheelchair when you book your reservation if you are a slow walker. Some airports are quite large, and the whole boarding process can involve a lot of walking and standing.
  • Under the ACAA, airlines are required to carry wheelchairs, other mobility aids and assistive devices free of charge. This can include everything from oxygen concentrators and ventilators, to shower chairs and even catheter supplies. That said, remember to pack medical supplies in a clearly labeled box, and do not mix them with your personal items.
  • If you are traveling with oxygen or a ventilator, contact the airline to find out about their specific rules and procedures. Some airlines require doctor’s forms, so plan ahead for this.

Important Websites and Phone Numbers

  • The Department of Transportation (DOT) has several helpful brochures on accessible air travel at https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability
  • If you have any questions regarding security screening procedures, call the TSA Cares hotline at (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to your flight. They will be able to supply you with airport specific information regarding your inquiry.
  • Download the TSA Notification Card (www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/disability_notification_card_508.pdf), then fill it out with the specifics of your disability. Hand it to the TSA agent when you get to security. This is especially helpful if you have places on your body that are sensitive or painful to touch.
  • Finally, it you are flying with a wheelchair and you have any questions about the ACAA, call the DOT Hotline at (800) 778-4838.

At the Airport

  • When flying with a wheelchair, you can stay in your own wheelchair until you get to the gate, if you have non-spillable (gel) batteries. At that time you will be transferred to an aisle chair and boarded, and your wheelchair will be gate checked. If your mobility device does not have non-spillable batteries, you must transfer to an airport wheelchair at check-in, and surrender your wheelchair or scooter at that time.
  • If your mobility device has lithium ion batteries, contact the specific airline for their rules and regulations. US airlines are allowed to carry mobility devices with lithium ion batteries, however they are not required to do so. Every airline that accepts these devices has their own procedures,
  • If you use an airport wheelchair, don’t give it up once you get to the gate, because if there is a gate change you won’t have any way to get to the new gate. And sometimes it can be a very long walk.
  • Always allow extra time to get through security. Carry your wheelchair repair tools in your checked bag. If you encounter any problems at the security checkpoint ask for the Passenger Support Specialist, as these employees have additional training in access issues.
  • Remember, you are not required to perform any tasks at the security checkpoint that you are physically unable to do. If an TSA employee asks you to stand, walk, or even take off your shoes, just let them know that you are unable to do that.
  • When flying with a wheelchair, let the gate agent know that you need to preboard the aircraft. This will give you extra time to transfer and stow your gear in a more private setting. And don’t wander off from the boarding area, as you could miss preboarding.

Protect Your Wheelchair

  • Attach clear assembly and disassembly instructions (in Spanish and English) to your wheelchair or scooter. Photos and illustrations also help.
  • Remove any loose or protruding parts from your wheelchair or scooter. Protect your joystick with some type of a hard covered object, such as a plastic cup secured with packing tape.
  • Let a little bit of air out of your wheelchair tires. Carry on all gel cushions. Baggage compartments are not pressurized.
  • Snap a digital photo of your wheelchair before you board. It’s a good way to document the condition of your assistive device in case of damage.
  • Make sure you have adequate insurance. US airlines are only liable for the purchase price (not the replacement cost) of assistive devices on domestic flights. And on international flights the airline liability limit for damaged assistive devices is covered under the Warsaw Convention ($25.29/kilo) or the Montreal Convention ($1731 limit).
  • Put an air tag on your wheelchair. It won’t prevent it from getting misrouted, but at least you will know where it’s at if it doesn’t show up at your gate.

On the Airplane

  • On aircraft with more than 100 seats, there’s priority storage space aboard for one manual wheelchair. This space is available on a first-come basis, so it pays to get to the boarding area early, to get the first crack at the space.
  • Make sure an on-board wheelchair is aboard the aircraft before takeoff. If you cannot walk, this is how you will be transported to the lavatory. On-board wheelchairs are required on all aircraft with accessible lavatories, but sometimes they are accidentally offloaded, so it always pays to check.
  • Consider your toilet options when flying with a wheelchair, and plan ahead. Accessible airline lavatories are available on wide-body (two-aisle) jets. They have to be large enough to accommodate the on-board wheelchair, but in some cases there is not enough room for an attendant. 

If Things Go Wrong

  • If you encounter any problems when flying with a wheelchair, contact the Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). The CRO is an airline employee that’s specifically trained about the ACAA. All US airlines are required to have a CRO on duty during airport operating hours. Foreign carriers are also required to have a CRO available at airports that serve flights that begin or end in the US.
  • If your equipment is damaged or you experience a access related service failure, report it to the airline and request compensation. If your assistive device is not usable, be sure to request an appropriate loaner.
  • And if you experience an access-related service failure, you can also file a ACAA complaint at secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint. This complaint will not result in compensation but it can help to make air travel more accessible in the long run.

 

Barrier-Free Travel
National Park Lodges
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New Accessible Airline Lavatory Rule — When Will it Happen?

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New Accessible Airline Lavatory Rule — When Will it Happen?

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Nearly a year ago, on July 26, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a new accessible airline lavatory rule. Unfortunately it will still be many years before single aisle aircraft with more than 125 seat have accessible lavatories, but at least it’s a start. The rulemaking process has been going on for quite some time and the DOT took into consideration comments from consumers, airlines and disability organizations.

So here are the highlights of the final accessible airline lavatory rule, along with a timeline for when you can expect to see some changes.

Lavatory Interiors

Under the new rule, US single aisle aircraft with more than 125 seats must include the following features in their lavatories. These features will be required on new aircraft delivered three years after the effective date (2023) of the rule.

  • Grab bars
  • Accessible faucets
  • Accessible call button
  • Accessible door lock
  • Room for onboard wheelchair
  • Ample toe Clearance
  • Privacy screen if door is not able to be closed

So basically you can expect to see start seeing these features in 2026.

But there is a catch. The usual life of a commercial commuter aircraft is 25 years, so only 4 percent of the fleet is replaced annually. This figure is from the DOT. If they start replacing aircraft with ones that include accessible lavatories in 2026 (as required), the entire fleet will not be outfitted with them until 2051. And during that interim time, passengers will not know if they have an accessible lavatory until they board the aircraft.

Onboard Wheelchairs

The new accessible airline lavatory rule also includes a provision that the onboard wheelchair must be maneuverable into the lavatory, so that the wheelchair-user will be able to completely close the door. This also applies to single aisle aircraft with over 125 seats.

Again, aircraft are not required to be retrofitted, and the same timeline applies, so this would begin in 2026 and be fully implemented in 2051.

Accessible Lavatory Space

Perhaps the biggest change with the new accessible airline lavatory rule is the requirement for accessible lavatories to have ample space for a person with a disability and an attendant. More specifically the lavatory must have enough room for two males in the 95th percentile of height and weight (6 ft. 2 in., 246 pounds). That’s a pretty large space and it would make airline lavatories truly wheelchair-accessible. And as with the other regulations this applies to single aisle aircraft with more than 125 seats.

But there is a different implementation time frame for this requirement. Specifically, it’s for aircraft ordered 10 years or delivered 12 years from the effective date. That means this would start in 2036 and 2038, and would be fully implemented in 2061 and 2063. And in the interim you won’t know in advance if your aircraft has a lavatory with this extra space.

To be fair, the preliminary rule required implementation in aircraft ordered 18 years from the effective date or placed into service 20 years from the effective date. On that timeline the fleets would be fully outfitted with accessible lavatories in 2069 and 2071.

I addressed the timeline issue in my public comments to the DOT, as did other folks, so at least they listened a bit. But rulemaking is always a process of give and take.

So bottom line, we will start to see some minor accessibility changes in 2026, with full implementation of this rule in 2071. It’s definitely a step forward, but it’s really for future generations. But then again, so was the ADA. Justin Dart was a visionary but he certainly didn’t live to see the strides in accessibility we have made since the first days of his activism.

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