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America’s 10 worst airport websites: No.2 – Spokane International Airport

Spokane International Airport is the second largest airport in the US state of Washington. I had to research their official website to write my review of the airport for CanDoCanGo.

At first I was impressed; their website seemed quite well-made and easy to navigate. Apart from some minor problems (like no sitemap) I’d say it was a good website for such an airport. But alas, they had no web page on accessibility, not even a mention in any sub-page or sub-section of their website!

Was this total lack of information about any accessibility services or facilities for travellers with special needs enough to get Spokane International Airport’s official website listed in America’s 10 worst airport websites? Probably not.

However, the people who designed Spokane International Airport’s website and wrote its content had a hidden ace up their sleeve that pretty much earned their website its rightful spot among America’s 10 worst airport websites.

“So what was it?” you ask.

Well, I was not totally accurate in what I wrote above about the total lack of accessibility information. There is a mention of wheelchairs and I am quoting it below as it is found on their official FAQ page:

A standard tip for the Skycap is $1.00 per bag; more if your luggage is very heavy or if you utilize extra services such as escort or wheelchair assistance.

Here is a screenshot of the page, in case you don’t believe what I am quoting above:

Screenshot of Spokane International Airport's Frequently Asked Questions page, annotated with the word "Seriously?"

Oh yeah, you are reading it right, folks!

Their ONLY mention of wheelchairs, accessibility etc is about the etiquette of tipping for wheelchair users in their airport?! Seriously?!

This adds insult to injury, and definitely earns them a spot in America’s 10 worst airport websites.

So, here are the reasons why I included Spokane International Airport Website in America’s 10 worst airport websites:

  • Insulting tip (no pun intended) on how wheelchair users should behave in the airport!
  • No mention of accessibility services or facilities for travellers with special needs throughout their website. (Well, apart from that thing about tipping 😛 )
  • No directions or symbols for any facilities for travellers with special needs on their terminal maps.

This is No.2 in our America’s 10 worst airport websites series