Palmetto Plain

Federal · DOT enforcement notice, 91 FR 49272

DOT extends pause on enforcing parts of its airline wheelchair rule to April 30, 2027

Announced Aug. 4, 2026

Published · Last updated

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The short version

  • DOT will not enforce four parts of its December 2024 wheelchair rule until April 30, 2027. The earlier pause ran to Dec. 31, 2026. The four parts cover airline liability for mishandled wheelchairs, refresher training frequency, pre-departure notifications and fare-difference reimbursements.
  • The pause now also covers the requirement that flight attendants get hands-on training at least every 12 months on on-board wheelchairs and lavatory accessibility. That requirement had been scheduled to take effect October 2, 2026.
  • DOT says these provisions will be addressed in a new rulemaking, and the pause "does not prejudge the outcome."
  • Other parts of the wheelchair and accessible-lavatory rules are not affected.
Status
Enforcement of the listed provisions is paused until April 30, 2027 while DOT works on a new rule ("Wheelchair Rule II").
Official source
Federal Register: Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft and Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers With Disabilities Using Wheelchairs (91 FR 49272)

What it does

  • Wheelchair Rule I (Dec. 2024). DOT previously said it would not enforce four provisions while it reconsiders them:
    • airline liability for mishandled wheelchairs
    • refresher training frequency
    • pre-departure notifications
    • fare-difference reimbursements
    That pause has been extended from December 31, 2026 to April 30, 2027. (91 FR 49272)
  • Accessible Lavatory Rule (2023). DOT also paused the requirement that airlines train flight attendants to proficiency at least once every 12 months, including hands-on training with on-board wheelchairs and on lavatory accessibility features. That requirement was scheduled to take effect October 2, 2026. DOT said a large U.S. carrier had asked for flexibility because its FAA-approved flight attendant safety training runs on an 18-month cycle. (91 FR 49272)
  • Why. DOT says it needs more time to review comments in its new “Wheelchair Rule II” rulemaking. It says the pause “does not prejudge the outcome of the new rulemaking.” (91 FR 49272)

Who it affects

Air travelers who use wheelchairs, including those flying from Charleston, Columbia, Greenville-Spartanburg and Myrtle Beach, and airlines and their staff. (91 FR 49272)

What it means for you

Airlines still must follow the parts of the wheelchair and accessible-lavatory rules that are not paused. The notice says it “does not affect the enforcement of requirements in the Accessible Lavatory Rule other than the one identified.” Complaints can be filed with DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection. (91 FR 49272; DOT)

Current status

Effective August 4, 2026, enforcement of the listed provisions is delayed until April 30, 2027. (91 FR 49272)

Sources

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Every statement above is drawn from the official source text linked here; section references are shown in grey. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Spot an error? Tell us.