National Federation of the Blind claims discrimination by airline kiosk

by Scott Carmichael on

The National Federation of the Blind issued a press release this morning, with the headline United Airlines Discriminates Against Blind Passengers.

That is obviously the kind of headline that is designed to grab some attention. In it, the federation claims United Airlines is discriminating by making their electronic check-in kiosks inaccessible to blind passengers.

The President of the federation has the following to say:

The airline industry has an unfortunate history of discriminating against blind passengers, and now United Airlines is repeating that history by deploying inaccessible technology that we cannot use. United is engaging in this blatant discrimination even though the technology to make its kiosks accessible is readily available, has been deployed by others, and will involve little cost to the company.

Now, I’m really not sure what to make of this – because it isn’t like the electronic kiosk is the only way to check-in at the airport. One of the arguments made by the NFB is that the lines for checking in with an employee are very long.

Every time I’ve used EasyCheck-In, there have been United employees in close proximity, ready to help me out. Converting the kiosks would require audio feedback, special keyboards and modifications to the screens – all to accomplish something that is possible by requesting a staff member to assist.

I’m not an expert, but I just don’t buy the claim that modifications would involve little cost to the company. ATM’s have been modified for blind users, but the amount of information presented on the screen of a check-in kiosk is quite complex – with things like a seat map and security questions.

The time it would take to have this all presented in audio would most likely make waiting in line much quicker anyway. Also, the risk of making a mistake during this procedure could quickly turn into a real mess, changing flights, canceling segments or removing upgrades. And finally, there is no obligation to use these machines at the airport – as almost every airline in the country offers the ability to check-in online at home, and print your own boarding pass.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m all for helping blind passengers make the experience at the airport just as swift as offered to anyone else, but I can’t help feel that this battle is one that they won’t win. To read the entire press release, click here.

What are your thoughts?

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[Photo from Flickr/Dennis]

Photo of the Day (10.26.10)

by Stephen Greenwood on
I loved visiting airports at a very early age. There was (and will always be) something fascinating about the constant commotion, the bright colors, and overwhelmingly complex machines barreling down the tarmac. The hundreds of people walking through the airport doors; in transition, heading to exciting new destinations or returning home with stories to share.

This photograph of the ever-friendly PSA livery takes me right back to that early love for airports & travel. Appropriately titled ‘A Wink and a Smile’, Flickr user Samer Farha captured this USAirways plane taking off from National Airport on its way to La Guardia. Samer was able to snap the shot from a safe distance by using a 500mm lens and an additional doubler on a Canon 7D.

Do you love airports as much as we do? Do you have a favorite airplane livery? Share your favorite travel moments with us by submitting your photos to our Flickr Pool and it could be our next Photo of the Day.



Cathay Pacific wants your dessert

by Melanie Nayer on

Pastry chefs, caterers, home cooks and Mom’s packing lunches, listen up: Cathay Pacific wants your dessert to feature on their international flights.

The “Art of the Dessert” contest asks travelers to create their own Asian-inspired dessert, and submit a photo and recipe on Cathay Pacific’s Facebook page with a brief entry on why your dessert deserves to win.

Peter Ho, the Regional Catering Manager for Cathay Pacific North America for the last 43 years, will judge the entires. If your dessert passes the quality test of Mr. Ho, you could be in the running for a free business class flight to Hong Kong and your dessert will be featured on Cathay Pacific’s in-flight menu.

Need some help? Here is a list of some of the most popular Asian desserts. Add your own spin to this favorites and enter to win:

  • Steamed pears
  • Spicy coconut custard
  • Mango pudding
  • Lotus Leaf pancakes
  • Fried custard
  • Fortune cookies

Think you’ve got the sweets for this game? Enter the contest here and get baking!

American Express reports strong upcoming Holiday travel demand

by Scott Carmichael on

American Express researched the upcoming Holiday travel plans of 2,005 adults, and found some positive trends – 39% of Americans will be traveling this upcoming season – and 30% of them plan to spend more than they did last year.

Each traveler will spend between $460 (average) and $560 (affluents) on their trip. 19% of travelers will be away from home for Thanksgiving, 19% for Christmas and 6% for New Years eve.

Surprisingly, only 12% of Holiday travel takes people outside the U.S. and most trips are relatively short – which means 74% of travelers will be on the road. To boost the economy, 23% of travelers plan to go further than they did in recent years, 19% will spend more on their hotel and 8% will treat themselves to business or first class tickets.

Those that are not traveling have good reasons too – 30% can’t afford it, 11% has family visiting them and just 9% think the Holiday season is too stressful and hectic.

Top destinations for Holiday travel include Orlando, New York City, Miami and various cities in Hawaii. Of course, American Express reminds its cardholders that they can take a vacation using their Membership Rewards Points, and 11% of consumers in the research did just that – making their trip a very nice end of year bonus. When booked through American Express Travel, customers can earn double Membership Rewards points, room upgrades and more.

[Photo credit: cursedthing]

First craft lands at Spaceport America (Exclusive Video)

by Stephen Greenwood on

The future of travel is one step closer to taking off. Last Friday, Spaceport America officially dedicated its recently completed tarmac by welcoming two craft to land in front of a large crowd of Spaceport officials, future astronauts, and press.

Gadling was on-site to witness history as Virgin Galactic’s spaceship VSS Enterprise, carried by mothership White Knight II, made a dramatic flyover and landed on the enormous 200 ft wide by 10,000 foot long runway.

Situated under restricted airspace in the desert of New Mexico, the Spaceport is the first purpose-built commercial facility designed for vertically and horizontally launched spacecraft. The facility will serve as Virgin Galactic’s headquarters for the initial 20 years of operation, but aims to serve as a base for many types of commercial spacecraft as this new industry is formed.

For more information about Virgin Galactic’s approach to commercial spaceflight, head on over to their website. For a look at the event and interviews with Richard Branson, Governor Bill Richardson & a few future astronauts, watch our exclusive video below!