Booking a flight online can feel like a digital obstacle course. Between pop-up ads, unwieldy calendars, and endless forms, what should be a quick process often becomes a source of stress.
And you’re not alone. Millions of people get frustrated every day trying to book a flight. If you’ve ever experienced this, read on: there’s a faster, more elegant way to do it: Book flights with a keyboard.
The Trick That (Almost) Nobody Uses: Book Flights with a Keyboard
Few people know this, but you don’t need a mouse to navigate a website. In fact, the most advanced users—the so-called power users—have book flights with a keyboard for years. Why? Because it’s faster, more precise, and eliminates visual distractions.
Sounds like a stretch? Try this next time:
- Press Tab on the booking page: you’ll see the focus automatically advance through the interactive elements.
- Use Shift + Tab to go back.
- Press Enter to activate a button or link.
- Use the Arrow keys to navigate through drop-down lists or calendars.
So simple. And so effective.
The Law that will make this mandatory
The best part is that this “secret” will soon be out of the question. Starting June 28, 2025, all airline websites operating in Europe must be 100% keyboard-accessible. Why? Due to the entry into force of Law 11/2023, which transposes Directive (EU) 2019/882, known as the European Accessibility Act.
This law not only seeks to benefit people with disabilities. It also seeks to improve the digital experience for everyone.
How to navigate a flight form using only the keyboard?
Here’s a quick and practical guide. Try this on your next reservation and see the difference:
- Tab: Moves forward between fields, menus, and buttons.
- Shift + Tab: Moves back to the previous field.
- Enter: Activates the selected item (button, link, checkbox).
- Space: Checks a box or selects an item.
- Arrows: Navigates through drop-down menus or calendars.
- Esc: Closes pop-ups or open menus.
💡 Tip: If a website doesn’t respond correctly to these actions, it may not yet be meeting the new legal requirements.
Who really benefits?
People with Motor Disabilities
For those who cannot use a mouse, whether due to injury, a permanent or temporary condition keyboard navigation isn’t an improvement: it’s a vital necessity. This law ensures that users can book flights with a keyboard, manage their data, or access services without relying on external assistance.
Expert Users (and not so much)
- People looking for efficiency and speed
- Screen reader users
- Those who use text-based browsers or browsers with minimalist extensions
- People with broken trackpads or mice
- Older users who prefer the keyboard
The whole society
What’s good for accessibility is good for usability in general. More clarity, less friction, cleaner interfaces… Accessibility actually improves everyone’s lives.
Conclusion: The future of air usability
Booking a flight should be as simple as choosing your destination. Thanks to these new regulations, it will be. If airlines are truly committed to society, you can start enjoying their benefits right now. Your keyboard is your ally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Because Law 11/2023 requires that all essential digital services be accessible to people with disabilities, including mouse-free navigation.
Starting June 28, 2025, all airline websites must be fully keyboard-accessible.
No. It also applies to many other essential online services, such as digital banking, public transportation, e-commerce, and more.
It depends on whether the website has already implemented accessibility. Some do; others don’t yet. You can easily check this by pressing Tab.
Greater speed, precision, fewer visual distractions, improved accessibility, and greater efficiency.