Delta Airlines has revealed a working prototype for its wheelchair-friendly cabin that allows people to stay in their wheelchairs for the duration of the flight, according to Tribune media agency.
A first of its kind for the airline industry, the cabin was designed by a design consultancy known for its innovative transport designs.
The proposal, which essentially turns wheelchairs into airplane seats, complete with a headrest and tray table, has been in the works since 2020. But this is the first time a working prototype is being unveiled to the public. It’s an important—and long overdue—step to ensuring air travel is accessible to everyone.
Currently, airplanes are the only mode of public transport that forces people to give up their wheelchairs for the duration of the trip. People who use wheelchairs often go through a distressing and intrusive process because their wheelchair cannot fit on the airplane. Currently, airlines require people to use an airport-issued wheelchair to first just get to the plane, where they must transfer to an airline-issued wheelchair to reach their seat, which can give people sores on long-haul flights.
Many wheelchairs can get lost or broken in transit, too. According to the most recent Air Travel Consumer Report, US airlines mishandled more than 11,000 wheelchairs and scooters last year, or about 1.5% of the total that was loaded on the plane. The new cabin design could be a permanent solution for disabled people.
