CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Douglas International Airport has partnered with an on-demand service to help blind and low-vision travelers navigate the concourses and terminals within.
The airport says Aira offers live, on-demand visual interpreters to ensure passengers who need help getting to their flights know where to go. Using the app, passengers are connected with an agent who will view the environment around the traveler through the smartphone's camera. The Aira agent tells the person what's going on and provide directions on where to go.
“Charlotte Douglas strives to meet the needs of all travelers,” said airport CEO Haley Gentry. “We believe this technology will make flying easier and provide an enhanced travel experience for passengers who are blind or have low vision.”
While at the Charlotte airport, travelers will have free and unlimited access to Aira.
Charlotte Douglas International joins several other airports in partnering with the service, including Dallas Love Field, John F. Kennedy International, Los Angeles International, Orlando International, Minneapolis-St. Paul International, and Seattle-Tacoma International.
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.