Airline apps need accessibility makeover: Disability Pie

Sarah Botterill | 05 Aug 2019

Booking a flight if you're visually impaired can be a frustrating experience, as AbilityNet accessibility and usability consultant Adi Latif discovered when we put three leading airline apps through their paces.

Adi who is blind uses an iPhone with Apple's screen reader software VoiceOver. In theory, there's little he can't do but as many companies haven't followed the correct usability guidelines in designing their apps or websites his online shopping experience often hits turbulence along the way.

Find out how British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair performed for digital accessibility in our video

AbilityNet believes in a digital world that's accessible to all regardless of disability or age.

Poorly designed websites are missing out on the purple pound

Unfortunately, many websites aren't accessible to people living with a range of visual, hearing or cognitive impairments or those with neurodivsersity needs.

A report by WebAIM found that fewer than 1% of website home pages meet website accessibility standards. 

Poorly designed websites could hit companies in their pockets with the so-called 'purple pound' estimated to be worth an estimated £249bn per year to the UK economy.

As an AbilityNet consultant Adi is passionate about helping companies turn that around.

That's why he's launched Disability Pie, a regular series of videos to highlight where companies in the entertainment, finance, retail, travel and other sectors can improve their website design so they're accessible to all.

We'll be writing to all three airlines featured in our flight booking episode of Disability Pie and offering an hour of Adi's time free-of-charge to kick-start the process. 

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Is there a particular sector you think needs putting to the test? Email us at enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk