"DOT Implements Mandatory Accessible Bathrooms on New Aircraft"

The Department of Transportation has announced a new rule requiring airlines to make airplane bathrooms more accessible. Under the regulation, new single-aisle aircraft will need to be fitted with fully-accessible lavatories, including grab bars, accessible faucets and controls, and minimum obstruction for wheelchair passage. The rule will be implemented starting in 2026 for newly-delivered planes and in 2035 for planes with 125 seats or more. Retrofits are not required for existing aircraft, but will apply if lavatories are fully replaced during interior renovations.