Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft and Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers With Disabilities Using Wheelchairs
Key claim: The U.S. Department of Transportation is extending enforcement discretion for specified wheelchair-accommodation and accessible-lavatory training requirements from December 31, 2026 to April 30, 2027 while it completes a follow-on rulemaking.
Abstract
(Rule · Transportation Department) The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT or Department) is extending its previously announced enforcement discretion for four provisions of the final rule on “Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers With Disabilities Using Wheelchairs” (Wheelchair Rule I) related to airline liability for mishandled wheelchairs, refresher training frequency, pre-departure notifications, and fare difference reimbursements from December 31, 2026 to April 30, 2027. To maintain regulatory consistency, the Department is also expanding this enforcement discretion to include the 12-month hands-on training mandate for flight attendants regarding on-board wheelchair (OBW) assistance and lavatory accessibility in the final rule titled “Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft” (Accessible Lavatory Rule). These provisions will be formally addressed in an upcoming rulemaking titled “Airline Obligations to Accommodate Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs” (Wheelchair Rule II). This extension is necessary to allow sufficient time for the Department to review and analyze public comments, and to make final determinations regarding the content of the final rule. This exercise of enforcement discretion is intended to remove the burden of complying with the requirements under review by DOT and does not prejudge the outcome of the new rulemaking. This notice does not affect the enforcement of requirements in the Accessible Lavatory Rule other than the one identified.
Why this matters
The U.S. Department of Transportation is extending enforcement discretion for specified wheelchair-accommodation and accessible-lavatory training requirements from December 31, 2026 to April 30, 2027 while it completes a follow-on rulemaking.