Delta's New Wheelchair Accessible Airplane Seat!

I think I’m still in shock. This new wheelchair accessible airplane seat solution from Delta is poised to be one of the most significant and life-changing accessibility advancements of our lifetimes! And it may very well be available on commercial flights sooner than you think!

In chatting with one of the engineers responsible for the design, I learned that their system was built atop a sturdy base plate that can easily be swapped onto existing aircraft. Because planes won’t need serious modifications to install, things should move much quicker, but that’s not even the best part!

The real big update, the one that made my jaw drop, is that the Delta team expects this design to be certified by the FAA by THE END OF THIS YEAR! Once certified, it can theoretically start getting installed right away!

These things will obviously take time, but for so long, when we posted about this issue, a resounding response from many people was, “There’s just no possible way to safely and economically get wheelchairs on airplanes.” We’ve always known that’s not true, and now it’s clear that Delta knows that too. They’re fully committed to making air travel more accessible for everyone, and this innovation is a huge step in that direction.

The model you see here is slightly outdated; their newest version is larger to accommodate more types of wheelchairs. They’re also working on a 3-seat economy version.

GET EXCITED PEOPLE! WHEELCHAIRS ON AIRPLANES IS HAPPENING!

[Katie-hheu]

So happy this is happening, but I have to wonder, how did it take this long to make something so simple for people with disabilities?

[annkimball]

Thank god this finally was done properly! With humanity! People in wheelchairs (and other disabilities) don’t want to stand out! They don’t want your pity and don’t want to be treated better or worse than any other person. They just want to live their lives without hassle, without humiliation and as independent as possible!! This just makes travel not only safer but easier. Easier on the disabled person and easier on the caretaker. 👏🏼I personally say bravo! 👏🏼

[karenwilson]

I started to cry. This is long overdue! ❤

[annasims]

Just saw the both of you in my hometown. I spotted Shane first, turned around at the library and was fortunate enough to briefly see Hannah getting into the van. My brain could only remember your YouTube tag names. You made my daughter’s day. Thank you for being so sweet. I hope you both enjoyed your visit. Looking forward to this movie. Blessings

[TUPELO_HUNNY]

Last time I flew on Delta with my very large anaphylaxis alert service dog I bought 2 seats in economy because bulkhead wasn't available. After everyone boarded, the flight attendant invited us to sit in seats 1A and 1B. That was my Bernie's last flight. He died a couple months later from cancer. He made 50 flights. ❤❤❤

[WilliamPowell-uomw]

That is absolutely great, I hope they made a couple of there seats like this!!! Every airline should follow in DELTAS foot steps!!!!

[nwtigerwoodard]

Love to seeing this, especially with so many disabled people, and many many disabled military cannot fly easily. Amen!

[Livedbysteph]

Nice my sister might enjoy this! . She’s also in a wheelchair. Thanks for sharing 😊😊

[kristinlemons]

This is fantastic!! Now let's see ALL airlines do this!

[spicymelly]

I worked for Delta. They are truly an amazing company.

[IsaacHowe-vs]

That is awesome! So glad airlines are doing this for people! ❤

[jarfullofbuttons]

Awesome! Can’t believe it’s taken this long!

Good for you guys. Doing great things. Thank you.

[unique]

Love that this is happening.. you were born to change the world.

[Crink_Clowd]

Finally!

I've seen planes with wheelchair seats but they're just empty space. This is so awesome they include the headrest and everything!

[Katie-cnsu]

Adding some dignity to the flying process, love to see it!

[anoddviewcreative]

Fantastic. Life is becoming more equal.

[TedJamesLytle]

Long overdue! Watched without my glasses on - Got so excited I was going to copy this link and send it to Squirmy and Grubs, then Shane backs into the frame and I am like, Makes total sense that he is in on this momentous moment! This is historic and thanks to Shane's (and others) advocacy, this is how change happens BRAVO!!!

[JoyNoelle.]

Congratulations you two!!! This is a result of your work 💥🙌🏽🎉🥳❤️❤️❤️

[amywhigham]

Now this is very cool! All airlines should be able to do this now! Looks so easy and people with wheelchairs will be so happy too! 😃💖 Love this! 💓