Airline dropping motorized carts as terminal transportation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — You've probably walked through an airport concourse and been honked at by a motorized cart moving by loaded with people.

Some passengers said they've had to jump out of the way of those carts.

American Airlines announced it's abandoning the motorized carts due to public safety and other concerns.

American Airlines and other airlines have used the golf-cart-like vehicles for years, but Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is getting busier and there are concerns.

American Airlines told Channel 9 the carts were not efficient enough for travelers, especially those needing a ride to different concourses, and they posed a safety risk to others walking by in crowded terminals.

Like many travelers, Cody Catoe knows that too well.

"It would be a lot more safe because I've been through several airports where they came through there and you have to dodge them," he said.

Instead, as with other airlines, contractors will escort passengers with disabilities using individual wheelchairs.

Thom Fallon said that sounds like it would provide better service.

"I never had a problem with the carts before, but yeah, that's a good idea," he said.

American Airlines said the change would mean hiring more staff, because they would need help handling the requests for wheelchairs.

Those needing assistance with transportation must either call ahead, or let staff know about their needs.

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