Wheelchairs on airplanes
 

How do wheel chair users use a airplane restroom?

I don't think airplanes are ADA Complient.

They don't have to be because even if you purchase a ticket, you are not guarenteed a seat.

An airline can deny you boarding for any number of reasons and there have been cases that a disability has been a risk for the flight crew.

The airports must be ADA complient but not planes.

I presume if they are paraplegic or quadraplegic, then they are cathed and have a bag so there would be no need to use the airplane restroom. If they use the wheelchair for other reasons, then I've heard they either "hold it" (for short flights) or they can manage the short walk to the restroom.

As an RN who works with those with disabilities - I have asked this question of several wheelchair-users. First, do not assume that someone in a wheelchair does not pee like everyone else - they do not all have catheters.

The only real answer is that they are forced to "hold it". Some people I have spoken to speak of severely limiting their fluid intake prior to a flight so they are not trapped.

It seems to me that 747's used to have one toilet that was much larger than the others with handicap rails etc. so it was usable by almost everyone (assuming the passenger got one of those tiny folding wheelchairs on board - or I guess got a seat right near it an had someone to help them.) but I haven;t seen these on other planes.

Many would rather be safe than sorry ~ Depends, Serenity or other protection is peace of mind.

Interesting subject....but not very fair!

As stated above...airlines [airplanes] do not come under the ADA rules. Therefore the restrooms are not accessible.

I am not wheelchair bound...but have very good friend that is....he has been through this many times....sometimes painfully!!!

FAA and airlines have specific rules governing wheelchairs on board aircraft and restroom accessibility.

As I recall....from previous research...only aircraft with 2 aisles have to have one restroom that is accessible for wheelchairs.

Since most domestic routes don't use the larger [2 aisles] aircraft, wheelchair passengers are left to fin for themselves and use alternative methods...."hold-it", "catheters".
Makes perfect sense doesn't it....we make every busines have wheelchair accessibility {ADA}, but not on a 6 hour flight on a airplane.....where are the watch dogs when you need them [Ralph Nader where are you, when we need you!]

Impossible.

Can you imagine the millions it would cost the airlines to reconfigure every airplane they own?

As far as reconfiguring - the aisles on planes are far too narrow to accomodate even a tiny manual w/c, much less a huge electric w/c. That is why travelers using wheelchairs must be transferred to those narrow wheeled things or even carried onto planes. Reconfiguring would involve creating a much smaller seating capacity for each plane or limiting those using wheelchairs to very front of plane. Not offering an opinion on ADA compliance, fairness or anything related - just an observation.

GoTravel....not to beat a subject to death....BUT.....reconfiguring all planes would cost millions...I agree., and that would be our normal "over-kill" of a situation. But, having a few planes available on various routes would make it a lot more customer friendly than the present policy ...of to hell with you.