Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many things you should consider when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have this information ready before you go to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for use on flights and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. They will also be able move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes brick or muddy road. They can also be equipped with a unique drive system that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate to board. It is important to call the airline ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they can meet these requirements. Some airlines require you to be at least one hour prior to your scheduled departure time This is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited, and it's first come, first served. The federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour before your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful information regarding your mobility or power chair. scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer the most secure and comfortable way to travel. These chairs are designed to fold and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. If you plan to travel with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in planning your trip and give you the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and it is placed upright.
Based on your airline depending on your airline, you might be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information: your name address, number, and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it should become lost or mishandled during your trip. You might also think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. If you are able you can arrive earlier than two hours before your departure time. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair before you travel. This will serve as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline in case of damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make your flight as comfortable as you can. Using a seat cushion is particularly important when you travel for over an hour, as it reduces pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
For those traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is an overwhelming experience. But, with the right preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, air travel using your electric chair is attainable.
Contact an airline representative before making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to check-in your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. mobility power chair In any case, arriving at least one hour prior to your flight is suggested. This gives the airline ample time to examine your equipment and make sure that it will be safely towed for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble it prior to transport. In this situation, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the go to help airline personnel handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, including the owner's manual as well as warranty information. You should also remove any accessories that are removable and ensure that all controls are functioning before leaving for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging you a fee to stow assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs. This is a great feature for people with disabilities, as it helps them save money.
Once the plane is in the air in the air, a representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to fit in the aisle of the aircraft. You can then disembark and your wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.
Traveling with an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new destinations with ease. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable in your chair, you will never be able to take advantage of the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people who have mobility issues. If you're traveling with an electric or wheelchair, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is crucial to adhere to the airline's guidelines for bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to inquire about their policies and get any questions answered.
Many airlines will allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, as that you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with a power wheelchair. Some airlines may also demand that you remove the battery powered portion of your chair, and then place it in a protective case.
Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your departure. It's important to bring any documentation, such as the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
When you reach the airline ticket counter or gate, be sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Discuss your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require for example, seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage, or whether it will be transported to the aircraft using an appropriate cart. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book a direct flight to minimize the number of times your device is moved between places.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair like they do with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, make sure you capture a photo prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.