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Syracuse airport launches remote-assistant program for blind and low-vision travelers

Syracuse Hancock International Airport has announced the availability of Aira Access, a service that gives passengers who are blind or have low vision “instant access to the eyes of a trained professional while traveling through the terminal.” (Eric Reinhardt / BJNN)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse Hancock International Airport has launched Aira Access, a service that gives passengers who are blind or have low vision “instant access to the eyes of a trained professional while traveling through the terminal.”

Hancock is the first airport in the Central New York region to introduce free Aira Access service to passengers, the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) said in a news release.

Passengers use a smartphone app to connect with an agent, who uses the video stream from the phone’s camera, GPS, and other web data to provide visual descriptions “on-demand.”

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Travelers use Aira to check flight status; find gates and luggage; use self-service kiosks; navigate through TSA checkpoints; and locate restaurants and services independently. TSA is short for Transportation Security Administration.

“We are always looking for ways to better serve our passengers, and Aira Access is a great tool for improving the airport experience for those travelers who are blind or low vision,” Jennifer Sweetland, airport spokesperson, said in the release.

Syracuse joins more than 30 airports nationwide that have deployed Aira Access for travelers. Aira Access is also available in sports venues, public buildings, and at “leading” retailers.

The airport says using Aira Access is a “simple” process. A user can download the free Aira app and sign up or call 1-800-835-1934. Then, you connect with a certified Aira Access agent and get real-time assistance, the airport said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com

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