In a groundbreaking move, United Airlines has become the first U.S. airline to introduce Braille markings to aircraft interiors, setting a new standard for inclusivity in the aviation industry. This initiative aims to empower millions of travelers with visual disabilities, enabling them to navigate the cabin independently and with ease. According to the Department of Transportation, approximately 27 million people with disabilities traveled by air in 2019, highlighting the significance of United’s efforts in enhancing accessibility.
As of now, United has already equipped around a dozen aircraft with Braille markings, including individual rows, seat numbers, and even inside and outside the lavatories. The airline is committed to expanding this initiative across its entire mainline fleet by the end of 2026, ensuring that all its planes are equipped with Braille for the benefit of visually impaired passengers.
“Finding your seat on a plane or getting to the restroom is something most of us take for granted, but for millions of our customers, it can be a challenge to do independently. By adding more tactile signage throughout our interiors, we’re making the flying experience more inclusive and accessible, and that’s good for everyone,” according to Linda Jojo, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Officer for United.
To further enhance accessibility, United is actively collaborating with prominent disability advocacy groups such as the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the American Council of the Blind (ACB). Their joint efforts are exploring the implementation of other tactile navigational aids throughout the cabin, including raised letters, numbers, and arrows, to better assist passengers with visual impairments.
United Airlines has long been recognized for its dedication to disability inclusion. For the eighth consecutive year, the airline has been acknowledged as the Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. Additionally, it has achieved an exceptional score on the Disability Equality Index benchmarking tool, a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN, which aims to promote inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
The introduction of Braille to its mainline aircraft is just the latest step in United’s ongoing efforts to provide accessible solutions for its customers and employees. Notably, the United mobile app recently underwent a redesign with a focus on improving usability for individuals with visual impairments. The redesign incorporates features such as increased color contrast, greater spacing between graphics, and optimized information display and announcements to seamlessly integrate with screen reader technologies like VoiceOver and TalkBack.
United’s Inflight Seatback Entertainment screens offer an array of accessibility features, including closed captioning, text-to-speech controls, magnification, explore-by-touch capabilities, audio-described movies, and adjustable high-contrast text and color correction. As part of its ambitious United Next growth plan, the airline plans to introduce approximately 700 new narrow and widebody aircraft by the end of 2032, all equipped with the latest in seatback screen entertainment options.
Inclusive practices are not only extended to customers but are also at the core of United’s corporate culture. Through “Bridge,” the airline’s Business Resource Group for individuals of all abilities, employees actively contribute to creating a workplace environment that fosters growth and supports the full potential of all team members, including those with disabilities.
United Airlines’ commitment to inclusivity extends beyond its immediate industry, with a longstanding partnership with Special Olympics. The airline supports athletes through the Special Olympics Service Ambassador program, which provides employment opportunities and workforce development initiatives in collaboration with Airport Operations and Customer Service teams. The airline also demonstrates its dedication to Special Olympics through volunteerism, fundraising efforts, and travel support for athletes attending national and international competitions.
By taking these remarkable strides toward accessibility, United Airlines is setting an inspiring example for the entire aviation industry. With their dedication to enhancing the travel experience for individuals with visual disabilities, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible future for air travel.