Rep. Tom Kean Jr. urges federal officials, airlines to improve wheelchair accessibility on flights
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., is urging federal transportation officials and major airlines to advance technology that would allow wheelchair users to remain seated in their wheelchairs during commercial flights, eliminating the need to transfer into standard passenger seats.
Kean, who represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, sent letters Wednesday, Oct. 21, to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford and the CEOs of five major airlines, calling for steps toward deploying in-cabin wheelchair restraint systems across commercial airline fleets.
Under current FAA regulations, wheelchair users must transfer from their wheelchairs into standard passenger seats, while their wheelchairs are stored separately on the aircraft. According to Kean’s office, the requirement can create significant challenges for travelers with disabilities, particularly when wheelchairs are damaged during transport or when transferring between seats is painful or physically impossible.
“I have spoken to many wheelchair users throughout New Jersey who fear the risk of their wheelchairs being damaged or lost in transit. Others highlight unique physical needs that can make transferring out of the wheelchair painful or impossible,” Kean wrote.
Kean’s office said wheelchairs are often expensive, customized medical equipment essential to a person’s mobility and independence. Damage during air travel can leave passengers with limited transportation and mobility options after arriving at their destinations.
Congress has previously authorized studies and task forces to examine the feasibility of allowing passengers to remain in their wheelchairs during flights. A Transportation Research Board study authorized under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 concluded that in-cabin wheelchair restraint systems meeting federal aviation safety standards are technically feasible with proper development.
The study also recommended additional research and evaluation to determine how such systems could be implemented safely. Kean is now seeking engagement from the FAA, Department of Transportation and airline industry to identify the next steps toward making the technology available on commercial aircraft.
“I respectfully request your engagement on the path forward to ensuring all Americans, regardless of physical ability, have the agency to access air travel without undue hardship,” Kean wrote.
Kean’s request focuses on advancing systems that would securely accommodate passengers in their own wheelchairs during flights while meeting FAA safety requirements. His office did not announce a specific implementation timeline or commitments from the airlines contacted.
