United Strengthens Aircraft Sizing Tool for Wheelchairs

The Chicago-based airline announced a new collaboration with the United Spinal Association to improve their wheelchair sizing tool, helping disabled flyers find the perfect flight for their needs.

United Spinal Association to Advise Airline on Mobility Needs

The original wheelchair sizing tool was launched by United in March 2024, designed to help flyers determine which flights would be the best to accommodate their mobility devices. Since then, over 20,000 customers have used it to plan their trips and request a refund of the difference in price if a flyer must choose a more expensive flight to accommodate their wheelchair.

With the help of the United Spinal Association, the airline wants to improve their tools to be even more flyer friendly in the future. Their collective goal is to make travel even more accessible to everyone by reducing barriers.

“I commend their commitment to making the travel experience more accessible for people with disabilities and their decision to choose United Spinal Association as a partner in this journey,” Vincenzo Piscopo, chief executive officer and president of the United Spinal Association, said in a release. “This partnership demonstrates that accessible travel is a reality, and every step forward brings us closer to a more inclusive travel experience for the disability community.”

The new collaboration is just one way United is working to make their flights more accessible. In 2023, the carrier added Braille instructions on the inside of their cabins to help those with visual impairments navigate the aircraft. Other improvements include giving ramp agents mobile technology to inform them when a wheelchair will need boarding and how to help flyers, along with accessible features for their in-flight entertainment system.