This change could bring relief to millions of travelers. The US airline United Airlines – one of the largest in the world – wants to equip its entire fleet with instructions in Braille for visually impaired passengers. For example, the seats or the toilets are to be equipped with tactile information in the future to make it easier for the people concerned to find their way around.
United Airline announced the planned change this week. The conversion of the approximately 900 machines should be completed by 2026. According to its own statements, the US airline is the first airline to adapt its entire fleet to blind and other visually impaired travelers in this way – almost 200 years after the invention of Braille.
Blind groups across the United States welcome United Airlines’ move and urge other airlines to follow suit.
In Germany, too, instructions in Braille have so far not been common on board aircraft – and this will remain the case with the country’s largest airline, Lufthansa, for the time being. “We are not currently planning to introduce this either,” said the group’s headquarters when asked by stern. Instead, the crane airline relies on personal care for passengers who are visually impaired. “This service can be booked in addition to the flight,” explains the airline.
“In addition, our flight attendants are trained in how to deal with these travelers, so any help that may be needed can be offered.” Among other things, the group emphasizes that there is a separate, personal safety briefing for those affected or that the arrangement of the food on the tray is explained.
The German Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired points out that Lufthansa allows one companion of the visually impaired to fly free of charge on domestic flights. Nevertheless, the lobby calls for the use of Braille in as many public places as possible. At Deutsche Bahn, tactile writing is already being used in many places, even if it is far from being used across the board. It is estimated that there are more than a million blind or partially sighted people in Germany.
However, it is not entirely out of the question that Lufthansa will change course. “Of course we are observing the experiences of our Star Alliance partner United and we are very excited about it,” the company said.
Sources: United Airlines, American Council of the Blind, Lufthansa, German Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired
