Airports throughout the United States are preparing for a major shift in accessibility, after years of lobbying by disabled travelers and their families. New regulations require adult-sized, height-adjustable changing tables in private, accessible family restrooms at large and medium airports.
This is a long-overdue fix, as many disabled adults and older children cannot use infant-sized facilities. Disabled people can’t mange their hygiene safely, and caregivers are left with no safe or dignified place to change people when traveling. The 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act further enshrines this commitment. Beginning in 2030, any medium or large airport seeking federal grants for airport development projects must have at least one private universal changing station in each terminal.
As the process of implementation gets underway, the U.S. Access Board is seeking public comment as it works to establish technical standards for these universal changing stations. The U.S. Access Board is trying to determine whether it should use an existing industry standard or develop a new standard that specifies the dimensions, weight capacity, height adjustability, maneuvering area, side rails, and other technical requirements that airports will have to meet in installing these stations. The board is also seeking public comment on what the changing stations should look like in terms of privacy, accessibility, and cleanliness.
These are important considerations because, without adult changing tables, many disabled people have had to lie on restroom floors to be changed. This is both unhygienic and dangerous. Transfers pose a risk of injury to both the disabled person and the person changing them as they are moved from the wheelchair to the floor.
Adult changing tables have become more prevalent in recent years. They are not just found in airports but also in museums, sports facilities, and other large public places. Several states have also moved to make them more accessible. California requires universal changing tables in new or renovated auditoriums, arenas, amusement parks, and other facilities that can accommodate at least 2,500 people. Ohio requires universal changing tables in certain instances, such as large public buildings and highway rest areas. Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, and New Hampshire have also implemented requirements for universal changing stations in public areas. Such measures at the state level indicate a greater awareness of adult changing tables which allow people to fully participate in society.
For years, disabled people and their families have struggled to travel or attend events when proper accommodations just aren’t available. Many end up caring for a loved one in unsafe, uncomfortable places or skipping events entirely.
These new federal requirements finally acknowledge those struggles, making it clear that disabled people deserve the same safety and dignity as anyone else. The Access Board is accepting public comments through April 20, so travelers, caregivers, disability advocates, and airport officials can help shape how these new standards roll out across the country. As airports gear up for these changes, there’s real optimism that traveling and public activities will finally become more accessible for millions who’ve been shut out for far too long.
Sources:
Diament, Michelle. “Adult-Size Changing Tables to Be Required at Major Airports.” Disability Scoop, Disability Scoop, 16 Mar. 2026, http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/03/16/adult-size-changing-tables-to-be-required-at-major-airports/31904/.
Leys, Tony. “More Restrooms Have Adult-Size Changing Tables to Help People with Disabilities.” KFF Health News, KFF , 3 Oct. 2024, kffhealthnews.org/news/article/adult-size-changing-tables-public-restrooms-disabilities-access/.