United Airlines is improving the flight experience for passengers who rely on personal wheelchairs. The airline has introduced a new filter to its flight search tool, which makes it easier for disabled passengers to confirm aircraft wheelchair accommodation for their flight. As part of the airline’s commitment to inclusivity and unparalleled service, the airline’s accessibility enhancements are tailored to offer peace of mind, safety, and convenience for travelers with mobility challenges.
A New Era of Inclusive Air Travel
United Airlines showcased its novel digital flight filter technology—a pioneering tool set to launch early next year. This feature helps travelers find flights capable of accommodating their specific wheelchair dimensions. The initiative underscores United’s unwavering commitment to eliminating the barriers faced by passengers with disabilities.
Digital Flight Filter: Confirms Aircraft Wheelchair Accommodation
Navigating the world of air travel with a personal wheelchair is about to become a hassle-free experience. United’s digital flight filter on united.com allows passengers to input their wheelchair’s dimensions during the flight search process. The system then prioritizes flights with aircraft equipped with spacious cargo hold doors to accommodate the entered dimensions. This ensures a seamless boarding and disembarking experience on the day of travel.
Fare Reimbursement: A Step Further in Customer Service
United goes the extra mile, offering fare reimbursement to passengers required to opt for higher-fare flights to accommodate their wheelchairs. This policy, a testament to United’s customer-centric approach, ensures passengers are not financially burdened while seeking accessibility. With a simplified refund process, passengers can rest assured of prompt fare difference refunds after their journey.
Enhancing the Airport Experience
United’s innovation extends beyond in-flight services. A pilot program slated for George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport promises enhanced services for passengers encountering damaged or delayed wheelchairs. Collaborating with its Accessible Travel Advisory Board, United is pioneering initiatives to elevate the airport experience for these passengers.
Improving Air Travel Accessibility
United’s has recently introduced other measures to improve air travel accessibility, including:
- Introducing new mobile devices for ramp agents to easily identify when a wheelchair is on a flight and be ready to handle it. These devices also make sure that ramp agents confirm loading all wheelchairs before closing out a flight.
- United Airlines is adding Braille to the interiors of its aircraft, making it easier for travelers with visual disabilities to move around independently. By the end of 2026, United plans to include Braille in its mainline fleet.
- The United mobile app was recently redesigned to make it easier for people with visual disabilities to use. The updates include increased color contrast, more space between graphics, and a reordering of information to better integrate with screen reader technologies like VoiceOver and TalkBack.
- United’s new in-flight entertainment screens provide a variety of accessible features. These include closed captioning, text-to-speech controls, magnification, explore-by-touch, audio-described movies, and adjustable high-contrast text and color correction. As part of United Next, the airline’s growth plan, they will receive approximately 700 new aircraft by 2032. All new aircraft will feature the latest seatback entertainment options.
- United’s Bridge. This group at United Airlines helps create a workplace where everyone can reach their full potential. It also supports the company’s commitment to being an ally for customers with disabilities.
United’s Commitment
Recognized for the eighth consecutive year as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion, United Airlines is championing inclusivity. Its latest innovations reaffirm a commitment to ensuring that air travel is a convenient, enjoyable, and accessible experience for all.
For more details on United’s innovative approach to accessible travel, visit www.united.com.