American offers in-airport self-drive 

BTN News
Sunday, 31 March 2024

Japanese mobility device manufacturer Whill and American Airlines are to offer 'autonomous devices' to ferry low mobility passengers to their departure gates.


Whill’s wheelchairs will operate at Terminal D in Miami and Terminal 4 in Los Angeles.

It works like this: After a passenger goes through security with a staff member, they’re taken to a waiting area. Close to departure time, they’re seated on the device, which has a slot for luggage in the back. Using a touchscreen, they push a button for the desired gate and it takes them directly there. Once they arrive, the device returns itself to the original location.

For now, the devices will only travel to the gate; airline staff will then manually take individuals from the gate to the plane.

American offers in-airport self-drive 

BTN News
Sunday, 31 March 2024

Japanese mobility device manufacturer Whill and American Airlines are to offer 'autonomous devices' to ferry low mobility passengers to their departure gates.


Whill’s wheelchairs will operate at Terminal D in Miami and Terminal 4 in Los Angeles.

It works like this: After a passenger goes through security with a staff member, they’re taken to a waiting area. Close to departure time, they’re seated on the device, which has a slot for luggage in the back. Using a touchscreen, they push a button for the desired gate and it takes them directly there. Once they arrive, the device returns itself to the original location.

For now, the devices will only travel to the gate; airline staff will then manually take individuals from the gate to the plane.