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What’s it really like to fly without sight? This episode offers a rare glimpse into air travel through the perspective of Scott Thornhill, Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind (ACB). Stay tuned because you’re about to explore air travel from a perspective few have experienced but all of us need to understand.

Scott dives into the ACB’s efforts to improve independence, security, and quality of life for blind and visually impaired people. As a frequent flyer himself, Scott gives us a raw, firsthand account of the challenges blind passengers face—from inaccessible booking systems and airport kiosks to inconsistent TSA support and the unique obstacles of in-flight safety.

We also explore the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, its alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the road ahead for truly inclusive air travel. Scott shares powerful insights on the changes that could make flying more accessible, not just for the blind but for everyone.

Whether you’re an aviation professional or a champion of inclusive design and accessibility, this episode is chock-a-block with insights that will leave a lasting impression. Scott’s journey is a powerful call to action, reminding us that universal design isn’t just a goal for the future - it’s a change we needed long ago, one that can transform lives and open up the world for everyone.

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This episode of On Your Flight Today is brought to you by IFECtiv, an inflight entertainment and connectivity consulting company. Dedicated to elevating the aviation industry's inflight entertainment products and experiences for airlines and suppliers. Visit www.IFECtiv.aero to learn more!

Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you'll never miss an episode. By signing up for our newsletter, you're not only staying in the loop with the latest news, updates and exclusive content, you're also helping us continue to bring you more great content. Your support means everything to us. Sign up today at www.onyourflighttoday.com and thank you for being part of our community.

To sponsor an episode or advertise on the On Your Flight Today podcast, visit the show website: www.onyourflighttoday.com

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Discover the journey redefined with Play Airlines, a new Icelandic low-cost airline operating flights from Iceland to North America and Europe. My guest today is Adrian Keating, Executive Director Commercial at Play Airlines. Adrian will unravel how Play Airlines is challenging the norms of travel, marrying modesty with monumental strides in service and ingenuity. Offering insights into the trailblazing budget-friendly airline, we talk about the recently launched 'Space seat' - a game-changer offering passengers of the low-cost carrier the luxury of extra space onboard the aircraft.

In the dynamic world of aviation, Play Airlines stands out as a youthful contender with a small fleet, unburdened by the constraints of legacy. This freedom enables innovation, through rapid experimentation and adaptation. Whether it's the flexible 'Space seat' offering, the curated onboard Icelandic experiences or the new stop over options, Play Airlines is redefining travel norms, proving that a small low-cost airline can indeed deliver on experience at an affordable price.

Navigating beyond the dramatic landscapes and geological marvels of Iceland, Adrian will also delve into the complexities that seismic activity brings to the region's tourism landscape. We'll explore how Play Airlines maneuvers through the tremors of sensational media narratives, ensuring that Iceland remains a captivating, accessible destination for adventurers worldwide.

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This episode of On Your Flight Today is brought to you by IFECtiv, an inflight entertainment and connectivity consulting company. Dedicated to elevating the aviation industry's inflight entertainment products and experiences for airlines and suppliers. Visit www.IFECtiv.aero to learn more!

Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you'll never miss an episode. By signing up for our newsletter, you're not only staying in the loop with the latest news, updates and exclusive content, you're also helping us continue to bring you more great content. Your support means everything to us. Sign up today at www.onyourflighttoday.com and thank you for being part of our community.

To sponsor an episode or advertise on the On Your Flight Today podcast, visit the show website: www.onyourflighttoday.com

www.onyourflighttoday.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourflighttoday
https://www.youtube.com/@onyourflighttoday
https://twitter.com/YourFlightToday

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Delve into the intriguing world of aviation safety videos, focusing particularly on Qantas’s recent release. Our guest, Teri O'Toole, is a veteran Qantas long-haul flight attendant and a barrister at law, currently leading the Flight Attendants' Association of Australia (FAAA). Teri brings a unique perspective, blending her inflight experience with legal expertise to represent 6.5K+ flight attendants in Australia.

The primary discussion revolves around the new Qantas Safety Video launched in January 2024. This video, while cinematically impressive, has sparked a debate over its effectiveness as a safety tool versus its role as a marketing instrument. Despite its high production value and storytelling, it’s criticized for lacking in clear, vital safety information. Teri highlights the omission of crucial instructions like following cabin crew directions in emergencies, a fundamental safety message.

This episode contrasts Qantas's approach with other airlines, such as Japan Airlines. Their safety video, particularly relevant in the wake of a successful evacuation of a JAL A350, has been lauded for its clarity and effectiveness. The contrast lies in the use of animation and direct communication of consequences for not following safety instructions – a sharp deviation from Qantas’s more abstract and visually-driven narrative.

Gain insights into an OYFT-organized focus group, which collected feedback from Australian and US passengers on the Qantas video. The responses varied, with some finding it more of a travel inspiration piece than a safety guide. This feedback aligns with Teri’s observations and the general sentiment among cabin crew – that the video, while aesthetically pleasing, strays from its primary purpose of educating passengers about safety protocols.

Delving deeper, the episode explores the implications of using such videos for brand marketing, raising questions about the balance between engaging passengers and ensuring they understand essential safety procedures. Teri’s unique background in law and aviation adds depth to this analysis, especially when discussing the legal and safety obligations airlines have towards their passengers and crew.

Teri speaks about the need for safety videos to support cabin crew in their critical role during emergencies. The conversation brings to light the complexity of safety instructions,

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This episode of On Your Flight Today is brought to you by IFECtiv, an inflight entertainment and connectivity consulting company. Dedicated to elevating the aviation industry's inflight entertainment products and experiences for airlines and suppliers. Visit www.IFECtiv.aero to learn more!

Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you'll never miss an episode. By signing up for our newsletter, you're not only staying in the loop with the latest news, updates and exclusive content, you're also helping us continue to bring you more great content. Your support means everything to us. Sign up today at www.onyourflighttoday.com and thank you for being part of our community.

To sponsor an episode or advertise on the On Your Flight Today podcast, visit the show website: www.onyourflighttoday.com

www.onyourflighttoday.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourflighttoday
https://www.youtube.com/@onyourflighttoday
https://twitter.com/YourFlightToday