Making Progress in Accessible Flight

Long time disability advocate Kelly Buckland, working with Pete Buttigeig of the Department of Transportation has a project coming to fruition. Delta AirLines has confirmed that work is in progress that allows travelers who utilize wheelchairs to fly seated in their own equipment.

Many accessible vans have relied on tie downs for wheelchairs to travel safely without the need to transfer. This is an idea too long in coming for airlines. And we thank Delta for embarking on it.

U.S. airlines damage or destroy an average of 10,000-15,000 mobility devices a year according to DOT statistics. That’s like arriving at your destination and suddenly you are unable to use your legs. How do you get around, find your luggage, get to your hotel, etc?

Many partners, including Paralyzed Veterans of America, have worked for over a decade for this. The DPT have already confirmed that plans for in-cabin wheelchair securement is in the approvals process.

The FAA has been conducting research on the viability of installing wheelchair restraint systems similar to those in vehicles, to allow passengers to board and remain seated in their own chair. They have not identified any major problems with the installation and are working on fixing any minor issues. Feasibility should be finished by the end of 2025.

But that doesn’t mean you can fly in your own chair next year. It will take time to get these new seats installed and approved by regulators. Delta has submitted their design to the FAA for approval. After that they said it could take up to seven years to finish their cabin refresh.

So be on the lookout for these improvements to happen in the next 10 years – and that’s fast by aircraft standards!