Inflight Portal Accessibility
My Digital Experience team implemented comprehensive accessibility features for the Southwest inflight entertainment portal, ensuring all passengers can navigate and enjoy content regardless of ability.
The Problem
The inflight entertainment portal was primarily designed for touch interaction, creating barriers for passengers who:
- Use assistive technologies like screen readers
- Rely on keyboard navigation due to motor impairments
- Cannot use touchscreens for various reasons
- Prefer keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation
This limited access to entertainment content for a significant portion of our passengers.
The Solution
We implemented a complete accessibility overhaul of the inflight portal:
Keyboard Navigation
- Full tab-order navigation through all interactive elements
- Arrow key navigation within content carousels
- Keyboard shortcuts for common actions (play, pause, volume)
- Clear focus indicators for all interactive elements
Screen Reader Support
- Proper ARIA labels for all controls
- Descriptive alt text for content thumbnails
- Live region announcements for status changes
- Semantic HTML structure for content hierarchy
Visual Accessibility
- Sufficient color contrast ratios
- Scalable text that respects user preferences
- Clear visual feedback for all interactions
- Focus states that meet WCAG requirements
WCAG 2.1 Compliance
The updates brought the inflight portal into alignment with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA:
- Perceivable - Content presented in ways all users can perceive
- Operable - Navigation works with various input methods
- Understandable - Predictable operation and clear feedback
- Robust - Compatible with current and future assistive technologies
Results
The accessibility improvements delivered:
- Broader content access for passengers with disabilities
- Improved experience for all passengers (keyboard shortcuts benefit everyone)
- Regulatory compliance with accessibility requirements
- Positive customer feedback from accessibility advocates
Commitment to Inclusion
This work reflects Southwest’s commitment to making travel accessible for everyone. By ensuring our inflight entertainment works for all passengers, we extend the Southwest hospitality to every seat on the plane.
Added full keyboard navigation and screen reader support to the inflight entertainment portal for WCAG 2.1 compliance.
