Access To Door

I still remember the first time I walked into a hotel and felt the frustration of a narrow doorframe. My mobility scooter got stuck, and I had to call the front desk for help. That moment was a turning point for me — I realized that 'access to door' isn't just a phrase, it's a fundamental right with travel. I've spent the last five years testing hotels, airports, and public spaces across Europe and North America, and the difference a few inches can make in a doorway is profound.

Traveling with a disability shouldn't be a test of endurance. When I first started this journey, I was determined to find places where I could move freely, without barriers. It’s amazing how many destinations still lack basic accessibility features — from narrow doorways to missing ramps. But the good news is, there are now more accessible options than ever before, and with the right research, you can find a place that feels like home.^[1]

I've stayed in accessible hotels and also in places that missed the mark, and the contrast is stark. A door that's just 28 inches wide can be a nightmare for someone using a wheelchair. On the other hand, a hotel with wide doorways, automatic openers, and tactile indicators can make all the difference. This article is for anyone who's ever felt that frustration — whether you're a wheelchair user, someone with limited mobility, or simply looking for seamless access to your destination.

The Importance of Door Width in Accessibility

As of September 2026, the standard door width for accessibility is 32 inches, which allows for the passage of a wheelchair and a companion. I've tested this in multiple locations, and it's surprising how many places still fall short. In one hotel in Barcelona, the front entrance was only 28 inches wide — not enough for my wheelchair. (37.3%, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)^[2]

This narrow door meant that I had to be assisted by staff every time I entered or exited. It’s not just about the width — the height of the door, the presence of handles, and the material of the door also matter. A door that’s too low or has protrusions can be a hidden obstacle.

When I returned to that same hotel a year later, they had widened the entrance to 34 inches. The difference was immediate — I could move in independently, and the experience was much more pleasant. This small change had a big impact on accessibility.

Part of our Accessible home guide.

Automatic Doors: A Game-Changer for Accessible Travel

During a trip to London's Heathrow Airport, I found that the automatic doors at the main terminal were a game-changer. They opened as I approached, allowing me to pass through with ease. This eliminated the need for staff assistance and made my trip much more independent.

However, not all automatic doors are created equal. Some are too sensitive and won't open if you’re not standing directly in front of them. Others have a slow closing mechanism that can be dangerous. I've had to avoid some automatic doors because they closed too quickly.

The best automatic doors have a soft-close feature and a sensor that detects movement from a few feet away. These are the ones that make a real difference in accessibility.

Automatic doors aren’t just a convenience — they’re an essential part of accessible travel.

Related: Accessible vehicles near me

Related: What Is Access Health

Tactile Indicators: A Hidden Accessibility Feature

Tactile indicators are small bumps or ridges on the floor near doors. They help people with visual impairments know where the edge of a step or doorway is. I've walked through several airports with these indicators and found them incredibly useful.

In one airport in Paris, I noticed that the tactile indicators were not only present but also clearly marked. This allowed me to handle the space confidently, even when it was crowded. In another airport, the indicators were worn down and barely visible — a clear oversight in accessibility.

While not always required, tactile indicators are a simple and effective way to improve accessibility. They’re especially important in high-traffic areas where visual cues can be overwhelming.

“I still remember the first time I walked into a hotel and felt the frustration of a narrow doorframe.”— Traveling with Disabilities Accessible editors

Related: Handicap accessible dentist near me

Ramps and Thresholds: The Unseen Challenges of Accessibility

I once stayed at a hotel in Toronto where the entrance had a steep ramp that was too narrow for my mobility scooter. I had to park the scooter on the sidewalk and walk inside, which was both inconvenient and unsafe. This is a common problem in many older buildings.

Thresholds, the small steps between the floor and a doorway, can also be a problem. A threshold that’s more than 1/2 inch high can be a barrier for someone using a wheelchair. I've found that some hotels replace these with transition strips, which are smoother and easier to navigate.

When I visited a hotel in Vancouver, they had a low, smooth threshold and a wide ramp that made access effortless. This small detail made a big difference in my experience.

Related: Handicap accessible lyft

Choosing the Right Accommodation for Accessibility

When I first started traveling with a disability, I often found myself booking hotels that weren’t actually accessible. I remember one time in Lisbon, where the hotel claimed to be accessible, but the bathroom had a low sink and no grab bars — a major oversight.

Now, I always check for specific accessibility features before booking. I look for hotels that list wheelchair accessibility, wide doorways, and accessible bathrooms. I’ve found that many of the best accessible hotels are those that have a clear, detailed accessibility statement on their website.

One of the best experiences I had was in a hotel in Edinburgh, which had a full accessibility statement. It listed everything from the width of the doors to the availability of grab bars in the bathrooms. This level of detail made the booking process much easier.

Related: Handicap accessible home ideas

Transportation: Navigating Public Transit with a Disability

I’ve traveled on public transit in several cities, and the accessibility varies widely. In Berlin, I used the U-Bahn, and the stations had wide platforms and accessible entrances. In another city, the metro station had a steep staircase with no ramp — making it impossible to use.

The presence of ramps, elevators, and audio announcements can make a huge difference. I've found that cities with good public transit systems often have detailed accessibility information on their websites and apps.

When I traveled to Prague, the metro system had clear accessibility maps that showed which stations had elevators and ramps. This made handling the city much easier, even with my mobility scooter.

Accessibility in public transit is a key factor in making travel easier for people with disabilities.

Related: Handicap accessible laws

Preparing for Accessible Travel: What to Bring

When I travel, I always bring a few essential items to help with accessibility. This includes a portable ramp, which I use to get into hotels and restaurants that don’t have one. I also carry a mobility aid bag with me, which contains extra batteries and other necessities.

I’ve found that some hotels don’t have the right equipment, so having my own portable ramp is crucial. It’s also helpful to have a travel-sized emergency medical kit, which includes items like bandages and pain relievers.

I always check with the hotel or destination beforehand to see what accessibility equipment is available. This allows me to prepare accordingly and make the most of my trip.

The Role of Door Handle Design in Accessible Travel

I once struggled for over 10 minutes at a train station trying to open a door with a lever handle that required a full grip and a strong push. This experience taught me that handle design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about function. Lever handles, for example, are easier for people with arthritis or limited mobility to use, as they require less force than round knobs. In contrast, round knobs can be difficult to turn for those with weak hand strength, especially if they are not designed with ergonomic grips.

When traveling, I always check for doors with lever handles or touchless entry systems, which are becoming more common in airports and hotels. These designs reduce the physical effort needed to open a door, which can make a huge difference for travelers with disabilities. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), lever handles must be installed in public spaces to ensure accessibility. This standard has helped improve access in many travel-related buildings, but there are still many older facilities that haven’t upgraded.

I’ve also found that some doors have handles that are too high or too low, making them inaccessible for wheelchair users. The ideal height for a door handle is between 34 and 48 inches from the floor, as recommended by the ADA. When I travel, I now look for this detail, and I’ve noticed that newer hotels and airports tend to follow this guideline more consistently than older ones. Being aware of these specifics can make a trip more comfortable and less stressful for travelers with mobility challenges.

Access To Door