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Wheelchair Airline Policy

How you can advocate for faster correction of the Airline's current wheelchair policy.

Let people stay in their own wheelchairs when they fly

As explained in the S3T Sunday May 7 Special Edition: Flying Wheelchairs - a S3T Interview with Dan Dorszynski passengers who depend on wheelchairs are currently forbidden from remaining in their own wheelchairs while they fly. As a result of pressure from advocates like Dan, the airlines and FAA have been slowly moving toward a solution. It's clear that they need further urging and constant pressure to not delay further.

The FAA and the airlines are slowly rolling out designs that incorporate a 16g capable securement system (ie capable of holding a wheelchair in place during a 16g impact).

Ironically far superior securement systems are already available and in use for cars and buses - these are capable of withstanding a 20g impact. Qstraint is an example of a commonly available wheelchair securement system that is 20g capable. See https://www.qstraint.com/qrt-deluxe/#specifications.

Clearly the wheelchair securement solutions are available to exceed FAA expectations - delays and slowness are likely a result of either lack of focus or a desire to avoid spending the necessary funds to equip planes with proven securement systems.

3 Ways to apply pressure for faster rollout

Here are the three most effective ways to apply pressure right now:

1. The "Inside" Route: The DOT Disability Resource Center

The Department of Transportation (which oversees the FAA) has a specific office dedicated to these issues. Contacting them directly bypasses the general "complaint" inbox.

  • Who: The Disability Resource Center (DRC)
  • Email: drc@dot.gov
  • Phone: 202-493-0625
  • What to say: You are writing to urge the Department to "prioritize and expedite the technical safety certification (TSO authorization) for the Delta Flight Products 'Air 4 All' wheelchair securement system." Mention that the technology is ready, and the regulatory delay is the primary bottleneck. If you send an email, share this link https://www.qstraint.com/qrt-deluxe/#specifications with the statement "the FAA and airlines are stalling on 16g capable securement systems, while currently available wheelchair constraint systems commonly used in cars already have 20g securement capability. Clearly the required components are available to exceed FAA expectations - we need to go faster.
  • Action: Submit your complaint via theDOT Aviation Consumer Protection Form.
  • How to fill it out: you will have to add details about the specific airline and flight including flight number etc, so only use this for complaints that relate to a specific travel experience.

3. The "Oversight" Route: Your Congressperson

The FAA moves fastest when Congress asks them questions. The "FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024" included mandates for the FAA to study this. You can ask your representative to check on that progress.

  • Why this works: If a Senator sends a letter to the FAA Administrator asking "Why is the wheelchair seat certification taking so long?", the FAA is legally required to answer.
  • Action: Call the US Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your U.S. Representative or Senators.
  • What to say: "I am asking the Senator to demand a status update from the FAA on the certification timeline for in-cabin wheelchair securement systems. The technology was shown in 2025, but the FAA certification is stalling. We need the FAA to prioritize the crash-testing standards so this can fly.
  • "The FAA and airlines are insistent on slow rolling 16g capable securement systems, while currently available wheelchair constraint systems commonly used in cars already have 20g securement capability. Why not buy or adapt those??? Clearly the required components are available to exceed FAA expectations - we need to go faster."