United Airlines To Launch Industry-First Travel Tool For Wheelchair Users

Updated: April 21, 2025, 1:50pm CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

United’s New Digital Flight Filter
Airport Experience Pilot Program
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

United Airlines is unveiling new initiatives intended to make the travel experience easier for passengers who rely on a wheelchair.

Here’s what travelers should about United’s plans, including an industry-first tool on the airline’s website.

United’s New Digital Flight Filter

A new flight filter tool on united.com will let travelers enter the dimensions of their personal wheelchair as part of the flight search. Using this option, search results will prioritize flight options on aircraft with cargo hold doors large enough to accommodate the wheelchair’s dimensions.

The size of cargo hold doors varies from aircraft to aircraft, and this new feature will ensure all wheelchairs — especially larger, motorized models that must travel upright — to be accommodated for any passengers on that plane.

“By offering customers an easy way to know if their personal wheelchair fits on a particular airplane, we can give them the peace of mind they deserve when they fly with us,” said Linda Jojo, United’s executive vice president and chief customer officer. “Plus, collecting this informatcon ahead of time ensures our team can handle these special items with proper care and attention.”

United also says it will refund the fare difference if a traveler needs to book a more expensive flight to accommodate a specific wheelchair size. This tool will roll out early next year.

United Wheelchair Tool — Image Credit: United Airlines

Airport Experience Pilot Program

Later this year, United will begin a 6-month pilot program at George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to explore options for better accommodating customers if a wheelchair is damaged or delayed during travel.

The airline’s Accessible Travel Advisory Board is exploring several initiatives for improving the airport experience, such as providing specialized seating onsite or reimbursing travelers for transportation expenses they incur.

United entered an agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation earlier this month to deliver these initiatives, done through a commitment to increase accessibility and improve the travel experience for customers who require a wheelchair during their travels.

For context, United Airlines carried about 150,000 wheelchairs in 2022.

Hot Tip:

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), 25.5 million Americans ages 5 and older have self-reported travel-limiting disabilities. Here’s our full guide to air travel with a disability.

Final Thoughts

Flying ican be inconvenient and uncomfortable, even for passengers without mobility restrictions. For those with limited mobility or who require a wheelchair, the experience often ranges from a nightmarish juggling act to downright impossible. But at least 1 aspect of the experience may be improved for fliers with a wheelchair, and we certainly hope other airlines will follow United’s lead and work on similar initiatives. Soon, travelers will be able to filter out flights on planes that can’t accommodate the size of their wheelchair.