Big news in accessible air travel! 
The FAA has agreed to define safety criteria for wheelchairs in the cabin in 2025. This transition is happening faster than I expected, which is incredible news for the disability community.
The FAA has agreed to define safety criteria for wheelchairs in the cabin in 2025. This transition is happening faster than I expected, which is incredible news for the disability community.Having a wheelchair that is damaged or completely broken by airlines is inconvenient and potentially life-threatening. On average, my wheelchair is damaged enough to file a claim about once in every 10 flights. It’s frustrating and infuriating to lose independence and mobility due to negligence. Processing the claim and fixing the chair is a time-sinkhole we don’t get reimbursed for. I’ve seen my chair used as a luggage trolly through the aircraft window. The thought of keeping my own wheelchair with me during flights and eliminating the anxiety around whether it will survive the trip or be mishandled is a game changer.
Many jobs require traveling as part of the job description. Would you fly for work if you thought there was a one in ten chance of your car being vandalized in the parking lot or the catalytic converter stolen while you were gone? This FAA study will lead to more jobs being available to people who use wheelchairs.
I hope this is the beginning of a new era where disabled passengers are treated as valued customers instead of inconveniences. We still have a long way to go, but it’s progress like this that keeps me pushing for more equitable access.
Read more about this significant step here: