USDOT Requires Airline Bathrooms To Be More Accessible

Travel insights from Jenna Buege, senior editor of The Compass

Jenna Buege Published July 28, 2023

On July 26, 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced a new rule requiring airline lavatories to be more accessible. Authorized by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), new single-aisle planes must now incorporate lavatories that are large enough for a passenger with a disability and an attendant to approach, enter and maneuver within.

“Traveling can be stressful enough without worry 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,” said Pete Buttigieg, U.S. secretary of transportation. “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.”

As a fun aside, the new ruling was announced on the 33 anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act which passed on July 26, 1990. The announcement comes as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s hope to make infrastructure more accessible.

To learn more about accessible lavatories on single-aisle aircraft click here.

About the Author

Jenna Buege is a Milwaukee-based writer and editor who loves exploring the great outdoors, spending time with her two black cats and jetting off on exciting, sometimes strange, adventures. She joined the VAX VacationAccess team in 2018 and takes pride in being a reliable source for travel advisors as they navigate an ever-changing industry. Her favorite destination so far is Iceland, although Alaska and Germany are close seconds, and she’s always adding new places to her ever-growing travel wish list.