American Airlines is introducing a helpful innovation, becoming the first airline in the United States to launch an
automated tag for mobility devices to improve wheelchair and mobility device
handling across its network.

The advancement was developed by the carrier.

“American is committed to improving the travel
experience for our customers who use wheelchairs and mobility devices,” said
Julie Rath, American’s Senior Vice President of Airports, Reservations and
Service Recovery. “Streamlining the check-in and tagging process is an
industry-leading effort that will help us further improve how we handle
wheelchairs for our customers who entrust us to transport their devices on
their journey.”

Not only are they expected to be helpful for those who
need mobility devices, but they appear to be comprehensive.

New automated tags, replacing the previous manual
tags, feature customer-and-device-specific data like itineraries, delivery
points, device weight, battery type and the number of items removed and taken
on board.

This additional information will ensure more accurate and consistent information for team members handling the devices and provide enhanced visibility of the devices throughout customers’ travel journeys. The automation also enables the device’s information to be more easily shared across frontline team members’ applications, ensuring team members have the correct information at the right time.

It is part of an ongoing effort by the airline to
assist those who need mobility devices with the travel experience. These
actions have helped American improve handling of these devices. Ability devices
include wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, canes and more.

The challenges of needing such devices in order to fly are numerous.

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