Based on the text of 14 CFR 382.65 and public DOT materials; applies to U.S. and foreign carriers operating flights to or from the United States.
What takes effect today
Under section 382.65(h) of the federal rules, beginning October 2, 2026, carriers must ensure that onboard wheelchairs on newly delivered single-aisle aircraft with 125 or more FAA-certificated seats and a lavatory comply with the enhanced design standards set out in section 382.65(e). The same compliance duty applies to older wheelchairs on aircraft with at least 125 seats once those older chairs are replaced. For aircraft with more than 60 seats, newly acquired onboard wheelchairs must also meet the enhanced standards where compliant devices are available. The regulatory text sets a final deadline of October 2, 2031, by which all onboard wheelchairs used on aircraft with more than 60 seats must meet the enhanced standards.
What the enhanced design standards require
The enhanced standards in section 382.65(e) describe a chair built for maneuvering inside a narrow cabin. The regulatory text calls for a device that can move within the aircraft aisle in both forward and rearward directions, turn to enter and exit an accessible lavatory, and allow the lavatory door to close while the chair is inside. The seat must sit at a height that permits easy transfer from an aircraft seat. Wheels must lock, and the chair must include seat and backrest cushioning, a restraint mechanism, adjustable armrests and footrests, and clearly visible instructions for use.
Who the rules apply to and what happens next
The rule was issued under the Air Carrier Access Act and codified in 14 CFR Part 382. The Department of Transportation has described the requirements as applicable to both U.S. and foreign carriers operating flights to or from the United States. Industry reporting notes that airlines have been assessing their fleets ahead of the October 2026 date. The October 2031 deadline marks the point when the enhanced standards cover the full in-service fleet of onboard wheelchairs on aircraft with more than 60 seats.
