United Airlines Expands Special Olympics Service Ambassador Program to More Hubs

United Airlines is set to expand its Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA) program, the only one of its kind in the industry, to its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Newark. This expansion aims to welcome 10 more Special Olympics athletes into the program, bringing the total to 28 SOSA employees across all seven of its U.S. hubs. This initiative underscores United's commitment to creating employment opportunities for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.

NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice joined the recruitment efforts in San Francisco, participating in a "boot camp" with current SOSAs to highlight the program's impact. SOSAs play a crucial role in enhancing the customer experience by assisting travelers with check-in, navigating security lines, and providing post-security support.

Key Highlights of the SOSA Program:

• Part-time employment with full benefits for Special Olympics athletes.
• Duties include welcoming customers, assisting with check-in, and guiding through security.
• Post-security responsibilities involve terminal navigation and digital customer service tools.

Quotes from Key Figures:

• Jerry Rice praised the program, stating, "What I saw today being trained by these SOSAs was dedication, skill, and heart."
• Toby Enqvist, United's Chief Operations Officer, highlighted the program's role in fostering inclusive and dynamic workplaces.
• Zehra Sayin from Special Olympics commended United for its commitment to inclusion.

United's Accessibility Initiatives:

• Digital sizing tool for wheelchairs.
• Braille in aircraft interiors for visually impaired travelers.
• Collaboration with United Spinal Association to improve travel accessibility.

Support Special Olympics: Customers can donate miles through United's Miles on a Mission program at united.com/donate.