TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Accessibility

Savannah Airport Introduces Power Wheelchair for Passengers

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Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport has teamed up with WHILL, an innovative personal transportation solutions company, to provide improved mobility for passengers at the airport. The new service allows passengers to use a WHILL Model C2 power chair to navigate the terminal themselves, including visiting restaurants, shops, and restrooms before heading to their gate. Traditionally, passengers with mobility limitations would be pushed in a wheelchair by airport staff, which does not provide the same level of independence. Read More.

Our Takeaway: With the influx of baby boomers requiring mobility assistance to navigate airports combined with the expense and difficulty recruiting wheelchair assistants, cool products like Whill electric wheelchair can help fill the gap.

Tips for Traveling with a Neurodivergent Child

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A recent survey found that 87% of parents with autistic children avoid family vacations due to the overwhelming challenges posed by new environments, sounds, smells, and disruptions. Behavioral issues related to emotional meltdowns can disrupt the entire trip. 93% of respondents would be more likely to travel if autism-certified options were available, with 97% expressing dissatisfaction with current travel options for families with autistic individuals. Read More.

Our Takeaway: By implementing thoughtful accommodations and services that consider the specific needs of neurodivergent guests, the hospitality industry can create a welcoming and supportive environment for all travelers. Training and awareness for staff can result in not only happy guests but also in a greater confidence in repeat travel and stronger brand loyalty, as families with neurodivergent members feel valued and encouraged to return to establishments that genuinely understand and accommodate their needs.

MSP Earns Highest Industry Accreditation for Accessibility

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After reviewing MSP Airport, the ACI has given the airport a Level 3 accreditation. “On behalf of the entire MSP team and our partners, we are honored that ACI recognized MSP Airport for providing the highest level of airport accessibility,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP Airport. “Accessibility is about working collaboratively with our traveling public, our airlines and our business partners to ensure everyone has equal access to the benefits of air travel. MSP has been at the forefront of creating an accessible passenger experience through investing in technology, infrastructure, training, and service.” Read More.

Our Takeaway: MSP’s attainment of the highest level of ACI accreditation sets a positive example for other airports and transportation facilities to follow. Ensuring that airports are accessible and inclusive is crucial in creating a seamless travel experience for passengers with disabilities, promoting equality and diversity, and removing the barriers that keep this community from traveling.

British Airways Fulfills Dream of Passenger Flying With A Service Dog

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British Airways has proudly assisted customer Brian Hickman to take his first flight in 15 years, accompanied by his service dog Lily, after he got in touch with the airline to ask for help fulfilling his dream of flying again, and showing others that flying can be accessible to everyone. Read More.

Our Takeaway: British Airways exemplifies the positive impact of going above and beyond to accommodate passengers with disabilities. This gesture showcases the significance of providing exceptional service and support to travelers with unique needs and will attract attention from customers who appreciate goodwill.

What are the Best and Worst Airlines Handling Wheelchairs

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Some airlines have a worse track record than the rest. Spirit Airlines mishandled approximately one out of 16 mobility aids, and JetBlue mishandled around one in 22. This is 12 and 7 times more frequent than the rates at which these airlines mishandled bags, respectively. Read More.

Our Takeaway: The mishandling of wheelchairs only broadens the gap in travel ability between the able-bodied and the disabled. Understanding the impact of wheelchair damage on travelers with disabilities is essential in creating a more inclusive travel experience.

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