Karolien De Hertogh
Sales Director – UK & Ireland, United Airlines
Flying can be exciting, but for people with disabilities, it can come with barriers. One airline is redesigning its products and services to prioritise accessibility.
In recent years, United Airlines has committed to redesigning what air travel looks like when inclusivity is at the forefront. Here are some ways the airline is leading the charge toward a more accessible future in the skies.
Braille that guides, not confines
In 2023, United became the first US airline to introduce Braille signage onboard its aircraft. This update includes Braille labels for row numbers, seat locations and lavatories, so passengers with visual impairments can navigate flights independently.
With plans to outfit its entire mainline fleet by 2026, the airline is setting a new industry standard, proving that tactile accessibility should be a basic part of cabin design, not a luxury.
A wheelchair for every stage of the journey
Whether you’re arriving at the terminal, boarding your plane or moving about the cabin, the airline offers a tailored wheelchair experience for each phase of travel. Travellers can request a wheelchair during booking or afterwards through the ‘My Trips’ portal online.
For more complex needs, the airline’s Accessibility Desk provides direct support by phone. This helps passengers get the assistance that’s right for them.
No one should have to work
harder to travel just because
they have a disability.
Seats that meet you where you are
For many travellers with limited mobility, getting in and out of an aeroplane seat can be one of the most difficult parts of flying. The airline addresses this with accessible seating options that feature movable aisle armrests, for instance. These options give passengers more flexibility and comfort during boarding and throughout the flight. Travellers can research which seats offer this feature by checking their aircraft type in the United app or online after booking.
Entertainment for every eye and ear
In a world-first move, they also introduced the most comprehensive suite of accessibility features available on seatback entertainment systems. The upgrades serve travellers with both visual and hearing impairments, offering everything from screen magnifiers and high-contrast text to text-to-speech functionality. Such features ensure that passengers of all abilities can immerse themselves in entertainment throughout the flight.
Planning with personalised filters
For passengers bringing their own mobility devices, flight planning can be a source of anxiety. On the airline’s website and app, travellers can now enter the exact dimensions of their wheelchair and filter search results to show only flights that can accommodate them. This seemingly small feature has a big impact. It puts control back in the hands of the traveller, making flight selection easier.
Flying forward together
No one should have to work harder to travel just because they have a disability. With thoughtful design and genuine commitment, inclusive travel isn’t just possible — it’s the future of aviation.
