American Airlines Becomes First US Airline To Launch Automated Tag for Mobility Devices

Rhea-AI Summary

American Airlines has become the first U.S. airline to launch an automated tag for mobility devices, demonstrating its commitment to improving wheelchair and mobility device handling. Developed in-house, these tags are currently used across American's and its regional partners' airports. The new automated tags replace manual tags and include customer- and device-specific data such as itineraries, delivery points, device weight, and battery type.

This initiative is part of American's broader efforts to enhance the travel experience for customers using wheelchairs and mobility devices. The airline has reported a 13% improvement in mobility device handling from the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2024. Other improvements include hands-on training for team members, investments in airport infrastructure, and streamlining the traveler experience through digital management of mobility device needs.

Positive

• First U.S. airline to implement automated tags for mobility devices
• 13% improvement in mobility device handling from H1 2023 to H1 2024
• In-house development of technology solution
• Enhanced data sharing and visibility across frontline team members

Negative

• None.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

American Airlines' introduction of automated tags for mobility devices is a positive step towards improving customer experience and operational efficiency. This innovation addresses a critical pain point in air travel for passengers with disabilities. While it's unlikely to have a significant immediate impact on the company's financials, it could lead to long-term benefits:

• Enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty
• Potential reduction in mobility device mishandling costs
• Improved operational efficiency

The 13% improvement in mobility device handling rate is noteworthy, potentially translating to reduced compensation costs and improved customer satisfaction. However, investors should monitor the implementation costs and any measurable impact on customer retention or acquisition before drawing conclusions about its effect on the stock price.

Tech Expert

The in-house development of this automated tagging system demonstrates American Airlines' commitment to technological innovation. The system's ability to capture and share detailed device-specific data represents a significant advancement in airline operations technology. Key technical benefits include:

• Enhanced data integration across frontline applications
• Improved tracking and visibility of mobility devices
• Potential for data-driven insights to further optimize handling processes

This technology could serve as a competitive advantage for American Airlines, potentially leading to industry-wide adoption. Investors should consider the scalability of this solution and its potential for application in other areas of baggage handling and customer service.

FORT WORTH, TX / ACCESSWIRE / August 14, 2024 / American Airlines is the first U.S. airline to launch an automated tag for mobility devices, part of an ongoing commitment to improve wheelchair and mobility device handling across its network. Developed in-house by American's Technology team, the tags are currently used in the airports where American and its regional partners operate.

"American is committed to improving the travel experience for our customers who use wheelchairs and mobility devices," said Julie Rath, American's Senior Vice President of Airports, Reservations and Service Recovery. "Streamlining the check-in and tagging process is an industry-leading effort that will help us further improve how we handle wheelchairs for our customers who entrust us to transport their devices on their journey."

New automated tags, replacing the previous manual tags, feature customer- and device-specific data like itineraries, delivery points, device weight, battery type and the number of items removed and taken on board. This additional information will ensure more accurate and consistent information for team members handling the devices and provide enhanced visibility of the devices throughout customers' travel journeys. The automation also enables the device's information to be more easily shared across frontline team members' applications, ensuring team members have the right information at the right time.

American has launched multiple improvements across its operation to deliver a positive, more seamless travel experience for customers with wheelchairs and mobility devices. These actions have helped American improve handling of these devices. American's handling rate for mobility devices improved nearly 13% from the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2024.

• Hands-on training for team members: With the help of an outside organization, American offers in-person mobility device training to its Airport Customer Service and Customer Operations team members and vendor partners, which supplements comprehensive web-based training delivered to all American airport team members.

• Investing in airport infrastructure: Wheelchair movers have been deployed and lifts are being installed at the airline's hubs and other airports with high mobility device traffic, which helps lower the risk of damaging mobility devices and team member injury.

• Streamlining the traveler experience: American made it easier for customers to add and maintain wheelchairs and other mobility devices as part of their travel profiles. Starting this fall, customers can conveniently access their saved travel preferences, such as traveling with a mobility device or service animal and apply their details to any upcoming trip when managing on aa.com. Enabling customers to manage these needs digitally ensures the airline has the necessary information to safety and securely transport devices.

About American Airlines Group
To Care for People on Life's Journey®. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company's stock is included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what's happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from American Airlines on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: American Airlines
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/american-airlines
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: American Airlines

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What new technology has American Airlines (AAL) introduced for mobility devices?

American Airlines has introduced automated tags for mobility devices, replacing manual tags. These new tags include customer- and device-specific data such as itineraries, delivery points, device weight, and battery type.

How has American Airlines (AAL) improved its handling of mobility devices?

American Airlines improved its handling rate for mobility devices by nearly 13% from the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2024. This improvement is attributed to various initiatives including automated tags, hands-on training for team members, and investments in airport infrastructure.

What changes is American Airlines (AAL) implementing for customers with mobility devices in fall 2024?

Starting fall 2024, American Airlines customers will be able to digitally manage their mobility device needs on aa.com. They can add and maintain wheelchairs and other mobility devices as part of their travel profiles and apply these details to upcoming trips.

How is American Airlines (AAL) training its staff to handle mobility devices?

American Airlines offers in-person mobility device training to its Airport Customer Service and Customer Operations team members and vendor partners. This is supplemented by comprehensive web-based training delivered to all American airport team members.