Access to toilets on an airplane.?

Question

My husband and I have flown lots of times, usually on very large jets, but even on smaller ones. It came to me today that I've never seen a toilet that is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair-bound passenger.

I'm wondering if there are any rules or laws (American or international) regarding this kind of discrimination. I have rarely seen more than just one wheelchair-bound passenger on the flights we've been on, but I'm also wondering if it's because there are no toilets to accommodate them - or if most handicapped persons simply don't have the strength or interest to travel.

Answer 1

All twin aisled US aircraft built after the early 1980s have to have at least one accessible toilet.  It is the interpretation of the rules that is the issue.  The toilet might be larger than the standard one, but it is probably not large enough for most people who would need it, especially if you need help and are not the size off a child.

There are more handicapped people traveling, and as the population ages, this will increase, but it is not easy or comfortable to do.

Answer 2

Did a little research..

If you are not self-mobile, you are responsible for traveling with a companion to assist you with such items as getting into the rest room.  To help with that, some airlines have an 'aisle' chair, which is a narrower version of a standard wheelchair.   There are other issues here as well, including evacuation in an emergency.  

I've seen a flight attendant 'stand guard' where someone needed an assist and thus the lavatory door could not close properly.  

Also, I spoke to a parent with a severely physically (but not mentally) handicapped teen (could not walk), and it came up in conversation that both she and the teenager found that instead of dealing with the difficulties of an airline bathroom, Depends were the way to go.  A little gross, but effective for longer flights.

Answer 3

You don't need to travel by air! Just attach a couple of rockets to the back of your wheelchair and whoosh you'll get to your destination at 500mph in no time lol.

Edit: 4 thumbs down? Some of you have no sense of humour durr.