The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a new rule for improved access to the restroom for the disabled on new single-aisle aircraft, according to a March 18 news release.

For decades, disabled travelers have voiced their concerns about restrooms not being accessible on single-aisle aircraft. Now, the USDOT announced a new rule that would lead to better lavatories to accommodate the disabled, even on single-aisle aircraft.

"Far too often, travelers with disabilities don't have the opportunity to fly to their destinations because they can't access the lavatories on most airplanes," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "This rule would make airplane lavatories more accessible for passengers with disabilities and bring us one step closer to the day when air travel is possible for everyone."

Currently, there are no rules for making bathrooms accessible to people with disabilities on airplanes; however, this proposed rule would change that.

The rule would require every passenger airplane to make enough room in bathrooms to allow a wheelchair to enter and maneuver within the bathroom. If the ruling is passed, it will apply to planes ordered 18 years after the effective date of the rule or delivered 20 years after the effective date.

“Paralyzed Veterans of America has been waiting for access to lavatories on single aisle aircraft for people with mobility disabilities since the passage of the Air Carrier Access Act nearly 36 years ago,” said Charles Brown, National President of Paralyzed Veterans of America. “That’s 36 years of fasting, dehydrating and developing medical issues as a result of a lack of access to inflight lavatories. We are pleased the Department of Transportation is now moving this long overdue rule forward and see it as one step closer to equitable treatment. We cannot underscore the importance of having dignified access to lavatories for our physical health and well-being, and we must have lavatory access as soon as possible.”