DOT ISSUES FINAL RULE ON AIRCRAFT ACCESSIBILITY AND STOWAGE OF WHEELCHAIRS
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently issued a Final Rule regarding Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel; Accessibility of Aircraft and Stowage of Wheelchairs. The Final Rule is effective January 13, 2014.
Part 382 (Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel) of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations will be amended to permit airlines to use the “seat-strapping” method to transport passenger wheelchairs on aircraft. The “seat-strapping” method of wheelchair stowage involves placing a wheelchair across a row of seats using a strap kit that complies with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or foreign government regulations on the stowage of cargo in the cabin compartment.
DOT will hold a meeting for airline, airport, and ticket agent representatives on December 11, 2013 to discuss implementation of this rule.
If you have any questions or would like further information regarding the Final Rule or the DOT meeting, please contact our office.