The platform centralises accessibility information from airlines and airports into a single structured content model, delivering tailored guidance based on each traveller’s profile, including mobility equipment, battery type and travel context.
TravelAble organises information across all stages of the journey, from pre-departure planning to arrival. It provides guidance on assistance requests, security procedures, boarding processes and the handling of mobility equipment.
The solution also translates technical IATA Special Service Request (SSR) codes, such as WCHR (wheelchair ramp), WCHS (wheelchair steps) and WCHC (wheelchair cabin), into clear and accessible language, enabling travellers to better understand the level of support available.
Iñigo Valenzuela, CEO of Smartvel, said: “Accessibility in travel is still far too complex and fragmented. TravelAble is about turning that complexity into clarity – giving travellers confidence through personalised, reliable information, while helping airlines and airports deliver a more consistent and inclusive experience.”
Research conducted during the development of TravelAble identified several ongoing challenges for travellers with accessibility needs. According to the findings, 40% of travellers are unsure whether airport infrastructure will meet their requirements, 33% struggle to access clear information before travelling, and 28% are uncertain about boarding with mobility equipment.
The research also highlighted that secτεurity checks, boarding procedures and airport navigation are among the most stressful points of the journey.
TravelAble addresses these challenges by providing structured, journey-based guidance aligned with official airline and airport procedures, with information 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 personalised outputs for each traveller.
Operational and customer benefits
Beyond improving the traveller experience, TravelAble is designed to support airline and airport operations by reducing repetitive customer queries, minimising 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.
Tags:Iñigo Valenzuela, Smartvel
