American introduces mobile tags

DALLAS — American Airlines (AA) this week launched automated tagging for mobility devices, the first U.S. airline to do so. The technology improves wheelchair and mobility device handling across the AA network.

The new automatic tags, which replace the previous manual tags, include customer and device information such as routes, delivery locations, device weight, battery type and the number of items picked up and taken off board.

This information ensures devices are managed more accurately and consistently, and improves visibility across the entire route. Automation allows device data to be easily shared with frontline team members’ apps, ensuring they receive the right information at the right time.

Comments American Airlines

Julie Rath, senior vice president of airports, reservations and recovery services at American, said, “American is committed to improving the travel experience for our customers who use wheelchairs and mobility devices.”

Rath added, “The streamlining of our check-in and tag-out process is an industry-leading step that will help us further improve the wheelchair experience for our customers who entrust us with transporting their devices while traveling.”

The carriers say they have partnered with an external organization to offer “in-person mobile device training to airport customer service and customer operations team members and commercial partners.”