At a time when airplane seats have gotten
smaller and smaller — and proposals for plane interiors could make things
even more cramped — it’s not surprising that navigating bathrooms while flying can involve daring feats of contortion. When every inch of space on board a plane has been optimized for certain qualities, the spot where passengers need to do their business is no different.
This is, to put it mildly, not an ideal situation for anyone with mobility issues. On the ground, plenty of bathrooms have options available for people using (for instance) wheelchairs. In the skies, not so much. But that seems to be on the verge of changing, as per an announcement from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The DOT announced a rule that will apply to new single-aisle planes, requiring them to have at least one bathroom that can accommodate, as per the agency’s
announcement, “a passenger with a disability and attendant.”
“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,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement.