From Compliance to Design Best Practices

One Less Travel Headache

Traveling with an individual who needs toileting assistance shouldn’t mean navigating unnecessary obstacles. Airports are complex, multi-level spaces serving millions of travelers, and people with disabilities need facilities that are accessible, convenient, and private. Accessibility isn’t just about compliance; it’s about designing environments that respect everyone’s needs.

Kim Kirkwood of Changing Spaces shares how she was inspired to get involved based on a negative experience she had while flying with her son and trying to get changed in an airport. 

In the US, the CDC Estimates That...

  • 12.1%

    of Americans have disabilities relating to mobility

  • 3.6%

    of adults struggle with self-care like dressing, bathing, and toileting

  • 12 million adults

    May be unable to toilet themselves

Making Air Travel Accessible for All

With recent updates in the FAA Reauthorization Act and IBC guidance, airport planners now have clear regulatory support and best practices to implement universal changing tables throughout terminals—making travel easier, safer, and more dignified for all travelers.

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 — Baseline Requirement

✔ Every airport terminal must provide at least one
adult (universal) changing table in a publicly accessible restroom by 2030.

This establishes a minimum compliance standard —but airport design leaders know that one per terminal often isn’t enough for large passenger volumes or multi-level facilities.

Read more about the act

Details of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

What's the background of this act?

The bill’s specific changing table amendment was authored by Minnesota Rep. Dean Philips, who was inspired by Minnesotan Linda Hood. In 2018 Hood became paralyzed by Giullain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disease, and in 2023 she was also instrumental in getting an accessibility bill signed into law in Minnesota, where universal changing tables are now required in all state buildings. 

Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire authored the specific universal changing table provision in the Senate. Both she and Rep. Phillips worked in collaboration with Cure Spinal Muscular Atrophy(SMA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America(PVA).

What does the FAA Reauthorization Act say?

Sec. 774. Universal Changing Station

In fiscal year 2030 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of Transportation may approve an application under this subchapter for an airport development project grant only if the Secretary receives written assurances that the airport owner or operator will install or maintain (in compliance with the requirements of section 35.133 of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations), as applicable—“ (A) at least 1 private, single-use room with a universal changing station that—

  • (i)meets the standards established under paragraph (2)(A); and
  • “(ii)is accessible to all individuals for purposes of use by an individual with a disability in each passenger terminal building of the airport; and138 STAT. 1298“

(B)signage at or near the entrance to the changing station indicating the location of the changing station.“

Standards required.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the United States Access Board shall—“(A)establish—“

  • (i)comprehensive accessible design standards for universal changing tables; and“
  • (ii)standards on the privacy, accessibility, and sanitation equipment of the room in which such table is located, required to be installed, or maintained under this subsection; and“(B)

in establishing the standards under subparagraph (A), consult with entities with appropriate expertise relating to the use of universal changing stations used by individuals with disabilities.“

Applicability.—“(A)Airport size.—The requirement in paragraph (1) shall only apply to applications submitted by the airport sponsor of a medium or large hub airport.“(B).

Special rule.—The requirement in paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to a project grant application for a period of time, determined by the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that construction or maintenance activities make it impracticable or unsafe for the universal changing station to be located in the sterile area of the building.

Who's affected by this act?

The requirement in paragraph (1) applies to applications submitted by the airport sponsor of a medium or large hub airport.

What does this mean for airports?

By 2030, all medium and large airport require a universal changing table in every terminal. This means that 400 U.S. airports will be required to have UCTs.

Two people sitting on a modern white adult changing table in a bathroom setting.

International Building Code (IBC) —Best-Practice Guidance

While the IBC is adopted at the state or local level (including many airport codes), it represents industry-recognized best practices that help airports move beyond minimum compliance.

✔Travel Distance & Vertical Access (IBC 1110.4.4)

  • Adult changing tables should be accessible within no more than two floors above or below where they’re located.
  • Recommended maximum travel distance from any point in the terminal: 2,000 feet.

✔Security Access (IBC 1110.4.3)

  • Routes to adult changing tables should be accessible without
    passing through security checkpoints     (pre- and post-security
    considerations).

This guidance helps planners ensure equitable access terminal-wide,
not just at a single “compliance point.”

read more in the ibc

ADA & ICC Clearances for Universal Changing Tables

2010 ADA Standards

  • ADA 604.3.1 : 56" minimum x 60" minimum clear area around toilet
  • ADA 404.2.4.1 (a) : Manual swinging door front approach, pull side clear area required at door: 60" perpendicular to doorway, 18" parallel to doorway

2017 ICC A117.1

  • 304.3.1.1 New Buildings: Circular space 67" radius
  • 304.3.1.2 Existing Buildings: Circular space 60" radius
  • 305.3.1 New Buildings: Clear floor space 52" x 30" minimum
  • 305.3.2. Existing Buildings: Clear floor space 48" x 30" minimum
  • 613.4.4 Adult changing table requirements in Supplement 1: 36" maneuvering clearance on one short side and on long side

Operational Considerations for Airport Planners

  • ✔ Multiple adult changing tables are often required for high-traffic, multi-level terminals.

  • ✔ Pre- and post-security restroom placement supports all traveler flows.

  • ✔ Thoughtful location reduces congestion and improves passenger experience.

  • ✔ Aligns with ADA, ACAA (Air Carrier Access Act) expectations, and traveler dignity.

Why Airport Teams Choose Sova

Sova adult/universal changing tables are purpose-built
for airport and high-use public environments:

✔ Designed for durability in commercial settings

✔ ADA, ASTM & IBC-aligned

✔ Simple, low-disruption installation options

✔ Fast delivery and responsive servicing

✔ Made in the USA (with limited imported components)

✔ Industry-leading 5-year warranty

This reduces lifecycle costs and supports long-term
accessibility strategy — critical for government and airport facilities
planning teams.

Shop adult changing tables

Partner with Sova and Upgrade Your Airport’s Accessibility

Make your terminal more accessible, convenient, and dignified for travelers with disabilities—starting with universal changing tables. When you partner with Sova, your airport can receive $1,500 off a universal changing table, along with expert guidance on installation and best practices. Invest in accessibility that works for everyone and demonstrate your commitment to inclusive travel. Contact SOVA today to claim your discount and take the first step toward a more accessible airport.

Use code AIRPORT26 at checkout.

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