Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft and Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers With Disabilities Using Wheelchairs
What happened
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is extending its enforcement discretion for four provisions of the "Wheelchair Rule I" related to airline liability, training, notifications, and fare reimbursements from December 31, 2026 to April 30, 2027. This discretion also expands to include the 12-month hands-on training mandate for flight attendants on on-board wheelchair assistance and lavatory accessibility from the "Accessible Lavatory Rule." These provisions will be addressed in an upcoming rulemaking titled "Airline Obligations to Accommodate Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs" (Wheelchair Rule II). The action was signed by Donald Trump.
Why it matters
This extension temporarily relieves airlines of the burden of complying with specific disability accommodation requirements. It provides the Department of Transportation more time to review public comments and finalize new rules for air travel for people with disabilities. The delay aims to ensure regulatory consistency while new regulations are developed.
Who it affects
- ›Airlines
- ›Flight attendants
- ›Air travelers with disabilities using wheelchairs
- ›On-board wheelchair users
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