Staff support comes before the autonomous ride
The Anchorage service began on 31 March 2026, according to WHILL’s announcement of 13 April. The partners are Alaska Airlines and NANA Management Services. The published sequence is more specific than a general promise of self-driving assistance: staff coordinate the service, assess suitability and help passengers through security before the transfer to the autonomous device.
The process described at Anchorage
- Request assistanceContact Alaska Airlines before travel or request support on arrival.
- Meet NMSStaff coordinate wheelchair services at an assistance kiosk.
- Suitability checkThe team checks whether the autonomous device is appropriate.
- Security and transferStaff support the security process, then the transfer to the WHILL device.
- IntroductionAn agent explains use of the equipment before the journey.
Why the sequence matters
Someone who cannot use the service equipment still needs an appropriate assistance arrangement. The screening step is therefore central to the programme, not a minor detail after booking. Likewise, a passenger travelling with a fitted personal chair needs a separate plan for that equipment.
The announcement describes the intended service process. For a particular flight, Alaska Airlines and the local team confirm how it applies to the traveller and itinerary.
