People are flying more than ever. From short trips to traveling around the globe, many are on the move. But finding the way at the airports has never been easy in the US, due to crowding and a lot of tasks like checking in, taking care of baggage, screening and finding your gate. It is often difficult to get to where you are going. If you are in a wheelchair or visually challenged, it's even harder.
The new terminal at the Kansas City International Airport is designed to fix many of these shortcomings. The new facility features indoor play areas, changing rooms, and a quiet room for people who cannot handle the noise or activity of a busy airport. There is even a pet relief area for people traveling with their furry family members. One innovation is the glass-walled jet bridge for people who are worried about getting on and off planes. And for people who are uncomfortable with the whole airport and flying process, there are simulators (模拟器) that allow travelers to go from boarding to taking off virtually.
Justin Meyer, with the Kansas City Aviation Department, said the new terminal sets a level of inclusivity that passengers will expect in other airports. "The goal isn't that we're forever at the head of the line," Meyer said. "My goal was just to raise the bar, so if someone else wants to build the most accessible airport in the world, they're going to have to start from where Kansas City stopped. In the end, passengers win."
While making airports more accessible to people with different abilities may seem to be expensive or difficult, the benefits certainly outweigh the costs. Accessible airports mean that more people and their families will be able to travel and then the skies will be friendly to all.
