Wheelchair Travel Newsletter: Behind-the-Scenes Trip Planning Series, London Cabs and Artificial Intelligence
How I plan accessible trips and a reminder to attend the Accessible Travel Chat on Air Travel Rules.
Hey, everyone!
In just a couple of weeks, I will be traveling to one of my favorite cities in the world, London, England. It also happens to be one of the most accessible cities in Europe, due in large part to a robust public transit network (check out my guide to accessible public transit in London) and the iconic black cabs, each of which have a side-entry wheelchair ramp.
Since 1865, cab drivers in London have been required to pass the “Knowledge,” a test that ensures drivers “know the quickest routes through London's complicated road network.” Candidates typically undergo three to four years of preparation for the examination, and only after passing are they awarded a taxi license. Check out my latest article, The Rigorous Test That Makes London's Taxi Drivers Best in the World, to learn more about what sets London cabbies apart.
The results are in — Where I’m traveling for the Total Solar Eclipse
In last week’s newsletter, I invited you to vote in a poll, the results of which would determine where I travel to watch the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8. The candidates — Buffalo, Cleveland, Dallas and Indianapolis — are all great cities, but with 39% of the vote, Dallas, Texas was the winner.
As I worked to put the trip together, I had an idea — why not start a blog series that details how I go about planning my wheelchair accessible trips? This seemed like a good place to start, so here’s the first installment: Planning a Wheelchair Accessible Trip to See the Total Solar Eclipse in Dallas, Texas.
This trip was a bit easier for me to put together, since I’ve visited Dallas many times before, but each trip is different and this one still required some thought to account for my accessibility needs. Please let me know what you think of the new blog series format, and whether these are articles you would like to see for other trips I am planning. You can let me know by leaving a comment.
Artificial Intelligence and Accessible Travel
Have you used ChatGPT? The artificial intelligence/large language model has received a lot of attention in the news media lately, and companies are rushing to incorporate it into their products and work streams.
I thought this cartoon from Tom Fishburne, the Marketoonist, nicely sums up what we’re seeing with AI in the marketplace. Models like ChatGPT and other AI technologies will soon touch accessible travel, and I reflected on that in a recent article, Impact of AI on Accessible Travel Will Be Negative Before Positive. Though the headline might give away my core belief, the argument is more nuanced — I don’t consider myself an AI detractor, but rather someone who is committed to seeing that we get things right.
Give it a read and share your thoughts in the comments — I’m interested to know what ideas you have for future applications of AI? How do you think new technologies could make our world more accessible?
Don’t miss tonight’s Accessible Travel Chat on Air Travel Rules
If you’re a frequent reader of this newsletter, you’ll be aware that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently announced a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that will impact accessibility in air travel. I published a primer on the proposal that will get you up to speed:
TONIGHT at 8:00 p.m. ET (New York time), I will be hosting an Accessible Travel Chat to discuss the government’s proposed rules and to hear your perspective on accessibility in air travel.
If you have not yet signed up for the discussion, please click here to register for the Accessible Travel Chat on New Air Travel Rules with John Morris on Zoom.
Employees of the federal government, major aircraft manufacturers, and some of the largest airlines in the United States have registered to attend. They may be listening to hear what you have to say about your air travel experiences, and where you think federal regulators should focus their attention. Don’t miss this opportunity to join the discussion and share your perspective!
From the archive
As we approach the Easter weekend, I’ve collected a few previously published articles that you might enjoy reading or bookmarking for later.
I Met Pope Francis in Rome — Here’s How You Can Too
Learn about the unique opportunity disabled visitors have to meet Pope Francis in Vatican City, and what I said during my very brief interaction with the Bishop of Rome.
Check out these articles too:
Accessible Travel Tip: Wait to Check-out of Your Hotel — You may be tempted to check-out as soon as you leave your hotel room, but that is a definite mistake given the uncertainties of wheelchair accessible travel.
My Fearless Journey: 3 Reflections After 10 Years of Accessible Travel — Looking back on 10 years of accessible travel: what inspires me to travel, the fear of the unknown, and the stories we all have to share.
Reader Mailbag: Are hotels required to have clear space under the bed for a Hoyer lift? — Hotels with platform beds prevent many disabled guests from using a Hoyer lift to transfer safely into bed. Here's what can be done.
Accessible Gameday: Wheelchair Accessibility at Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Games — Watch the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team play ball from wheelchair accessible seats at Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia.
A few final words
Look out for another newsletter on Saturday, as I am putting the finishing touches on a couple more articles that will be published in the coming days.
Over the holiday weekend and into early next week, I’ll be working hard to catch up on reader emails — if you’ve been waiting for a reply, it’s coming!
I have some international travel planned over the next couple of months to chase down stories related to air travel (and to cover a new destination I have never visited before) — paid subscriptions to this newsletter are what make that coverage and all that you read here possible. I would be immensely grateful if you would consider upgrading to a paid newsletter subscription. Thank you to those who have already pledged their support!
Don’t forget about tonight’s Accessible Travel Chat! I hope to see you there!
All the best,
—John
I am planning our first accessible trip from choosing a folding wheelchair to traveling internationally via car, plane and cruise ship so this blog is of great interest.