Summary
- Delta Air Lines prioritizes accessibility for passengers with disabilities, constantly adapting to their needs and providing reliable service.
- The airline has made significant advancements in accessibility, such as expanding closed captioning and developing a prototype seat for passengers to remain in their powered wheelchairs throughout the entire flight.
- Delta is committed to inclusivity, as demonstrated by its Passenger Accessibility Commitment and Advisory Board on Disability, which works to promote initiatives and recommendations for passengers with disabilities.
American legacy carrier Delta Air Lines has continued to pave the way in terms of accessibility. The Atlanta-based airline maintains a strong record of promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion and aims to continue making the world a more inclusive place for those with disabilities. By carefully determining its best practices, the airline has been able to establish itself as a leader.
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For those with disabilities, the carrier provides reliable service and is constantly adapting to passenger needs. In a time when inclusion, equity, and diversity are at the forefront of the company’s focus, the carrier has taken a variety of new steps to help make the passenger experience even more accessible for those in need of accommodations.
A multi-year priority
Last year, Delta joined carriers across the commercial aviation industry by signing a Passenger Accessibility Commitment. This industry-wide statement serves alongside the Department of Transportation’s Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights as key documents defining the industry’s objectives and passengers’ needs.
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Delta also maintains an Advisory Board on Disability, a focus group specifically tasked with promoting new initiatives for passengers with disabilities. The group’s leader, John D. Kemp, who also serves as the President of the Lakeshore Foundation, is proud of the work the board does and is aware of its significant responsibilities going forward. In a statement, Kemp had the following words to share:
“People with the lived experience of disability oftentimes know better what we want and need. To be chosen to serve on the Advisory Board brings with it the tremendous responsibility to be representative of our diverse disability community, to promote recommendations that are inclusive of our community, and to bring forth thoughtful solutions to Delta. And as members, we see the improvements being made that we’ve suggested. That’s what’s impressive.”
The latest initiatives
In the past few years, the carrier has launched a variety of initiatives to help make traveling on the airline even more accessible. For instance, the carrier recently expanded closed captioning for all movies and television series on its entertainment system, providing full access for those with auditory disabilities.
In 2022, the carrier managed more than 220,000 wheelchairs and other mobility devices, ensuring the safe transport of passengers across its network. Specifically, new protocols have been established at the carrier’s operational hubs to ensure the safe and timely transfer of these important devices.
Recently, the airline also debuted a full prototype of an airplane seat that would allow passengers to remain in their own powered wheelchairs throughout the entire duration of the flight. This seat is one-of-a-kind and could prove game-changing for those traveling with mobility-related disabilities. The seat includes a headrest, center console, tray tables, and a variety of custom adjustments that will allow for maximum comfort. Delta was recently recognized publically for this seat, earning a 2024 Innovation Award for Best Cabin.
Delta has also added even more features to the airline’s app, allowing passengers to share information such as live location and arrival time with others. Furthermore, Delta’s Advisory Board on Disability will continue to play a key role in helping ensure that flying remains accessible to all.