Smartvel launches TravelAble, simplifying accessible air travel through end-to-end guidance
Smartvel has launched TravelAble, a new accessibility solution designed to help passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) better understand and navigate the complexities of air travel through personalized, step-by-step guidance.
TravelAble centralizes fragmented accessibility information from airlines and airports into a single, structured content model, delivering tailored guidance based on each traveler’s profile — including mobility equipment, battery type, and travel context.
The platform organizes information across every stage of the journey, from pre-departure planning through to arrival, providing clear answers on what assistance to request, what to expect at security and boarding, and how equipment will be handled throughout the trip.
It also translates technical IATA Special Service Request (SSR) codes — such as WCHR (wheelchair ramp), WCHS (wheelchair steps) and WCHC (wheelchair cabin) — into plain language, helping travelers better understand the level of support available.
“Accessibility in travel is still far too complex and fragmented,” said Iñigo Valenzuela, CEO of Smartvel. “TravelAble is about turning that complexity into clarity, giving travelers confidence through personalized, reliable information, while helping airlines and airports deliver a more consistent and inclusive experience.”
Addressing a critical gap
Research conducted during the development of TravelAble highlights ongoing challenges for travelers with accessibility needs:
- 40% are unsure whether airport infrastructure will meet their needs
- 33% struggle to find clear accessibility information before traveling
- 28% do not know if they will be able to board with their mobility equipment
Security checks, boarding procedures, and airport navigation were identified as the most stressful points in the journey.
TravelAble addresses these issues by providing structured, journey-based guidance aligned with official airline and airport procedures, continuously monitored to ensure accuracy.
Built for scale and integration
Designed as a flexible content layer, TravelAble can be deployed across websites, apps, and digital booking environments as a widget, enabling airlines and travel platforms to integrate accessibility guidance directly into the customer journey.
The platform includes more than 100 structured content categories and supports over 8,000 possible requirement combinations, ensuring highly personalized outputs for each traveler.
Beyond improving the traveler experience, TravelAble is designed to support airline and airport operations by reducing repetitive customer queries, minimizing last-minute issues related to equipment and battery compliance, and improving alignment between passengers and ground teams.
It also supports broader ESG and accessibility objectives by enabling more consistent, inclusive communication across digital channels.
While initially focused on passengers with reduced mobility, Smartvel plans to expand TravelAble to cover a wider range of accessibility needs, including visual, auditory, cognitive, and hidden disabilities, as well as additional medical equipment requirements.
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