Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are several things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and at the airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions, battery type, and how to use it.
Make sure you have these details ready prior to your trip to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that meet air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and stowed securely on airplanes. They usually have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stored under the plane as checked luggage. They will also be able navigate on rough surfaces like deceleration stripes, gravel, roads that are muddy or brick. They may also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline in advance to ensure they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they will be able to accommodate these requirements. Certain airlines require you to be at least one hour prior to your departure time This is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair as federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with an effective design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard 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 so airport personnel can gather details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful details about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient method of travel. These power chairs can be folded and comply with airline guidelines for battery size handling, stowage, and handling. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your 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 itinerary and give you the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed, and it is stowed upright.
Based on your airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details including your name, address, phone number, and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event that it gets lost or is mishandled during your journey. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will help you remain in your seat during transfers with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
You should arrive at at two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure the proper storage of your equipment is completed. If possible you can arrive earlier than two hours prior to the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Before you travel to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you to seek compensation for the damages from the airline. You should consider bringing cushions to make your flight as comfortable as you can. A seat cushion is essential for flights that will last more than an hour, since this will minimize the pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be a daunting task. But, with the right preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, flying using your electric chair is attainable.
Speak to an airline representative prior to making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They'll be able to guide you in the best direction, no matter if you prefer to make your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Depending on your power chair It could be necessary for you to disassemble the chair prior to transportation. In this case, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on the go to help airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. Also, remove any accessories that are removable and check whether all controls function before you leave for the airport.
Once you are at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the plane. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you a fee to stow assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is a wonderful benefit for people with disabilities, since it allows them to save money.
After the plane has landed at the airport, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your power wheelchair to one that is able to fit in the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.
It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with right planning and following the rules you can have fun exploring new locations. It is crucial to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair, here you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it provides.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for those who have mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, however it is important to follow the policies of your airline regarding bringing and stowing your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact the airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines will check here allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines might require you to charge the batteries prior to boarding and some will require you to have a doctor's note on file before they will let you fly with your power chair. Some airlines may also demand that you remove the battery-powered part of your chair and place it into an enclosure that is protected.
Get to the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, such as your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will speed up the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
On arrival at the ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Discuss your wheelchair and any accessories you may require like seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining it for storage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an direct flight to cut down on the number of times your device is moved between places.
When your wheelchair is loaded click here on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you extra to store your scooter or wheelchair, like they do with your luggage. Take a picture of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.