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New Strategic Partnership United Spinal Association is equally excited about the launch of this new partnership
For people with mobility disabilities, traveling can be much more difficult than expected. This is because there are few industry tools that allow us to understand which aircraft can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices. But United Airlines sought to address many of these challenges earlier this year when it introduced a wheelchair sizing tool, giving passengers a way to quickly understand which aircraft will fit their mobility device. We wanted to expand accessibility by doing this.
In recent months, United Airlines passengers have been able to see if their wheelchair will fit on the aircraft they’re flying on during the booking process, making it easier to consider accessibility options. As expected, the new system has significantly improved the travel experience for people in need of transportation, according to the latest data released by United Airlines.
Photo: United Airlines
According to airline statistics, more than 20,000 customers have already used this industry-leading tool since its introduction at the end of April 2024. The airline was also able to incorporate the results of dozens of feedback surveys, allowing for improvements. Customer satisfaction increased by nearly 4%.
new strategic partnership
United Airlines today also announced the start of a new partnership with the United Spine Institute, and looks forward to the organization leveraging its expertise to best support the airline’s accessibility efforts. . United Airlines executives were quick to note the excitement following today’s announcement, with Dan Kinselman, the airline’s chief commercial officer, offering the following words:
“The early success of our digital sizing tool is an encouraging development in our ongoing efforts to find further ways to improve the travel experience for our customers of all abilities.”
The executive also expressed excitement about United Airlines’ new collaboration with the American Spinal Association, praising the organization’s ability to develop impactful solutions. In addition, Kinselman said he looks forward to using the valuable feedback to better meet the needs of United’s customers.
The company’s new wheelchair tool was introduced along with a new policy that allows customers to seek a refund if they are forced to pay a more expensive ticket to access a wheelchair. Other recent accessibility efforts at United include all of the following:
Provide ramp agents with mobile technology that allows them to follow specific instructions when loading wheelchairs The airline was the first U.S. airline to add Braille to the interior of its aircraft United Airlines seatback screens is equipped with a set of accessibility features including closed captioning.
The United Spinal Association is equally excited to begin this new partnership
As one of the nation’s leading organizations supporting individuals with mobility disabilities, United Spine Association is excited to begin helping United Airlines achieve many of its sustainability goals. Vincenzo Piscopo, CEO and president of the organization, said in a statement:
“We are excited about this partnership with United Airlines. We applaud their commitment to making the travel experience more accessible for people with disabilities and their decision to choose United Spine Institute as a partner on this journey. I will.”
Photo: Denver International Airport
Piscopo went on to add that this partnership marks a major step towards making accessible travel a reality. The executive also said that all further collaborations of this kind will continue to help improve the travel experience for people with mobility disabilities.
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Since then, the company has been working to ensure that customers with disabilities have a better experience in the future.
