Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. Airport and airline staff will ask you a lot of questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. They will typically have a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stored under the plane as checked luggage. In addition, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, brick or roads that are muddy. They may also be equipped with a unique drive system that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the gates for boarding. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to make sure they are aware of your needs and confirm that they can meet your needs. Certain airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to your departure time, which is important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to taking electric wheelchairs or scooters aboard their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions as well as other useful information about your mobility or power chair. scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure comfortable and safe travel. They can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines for battery size and handling, as well as stowage. If you are planning to fly with your airline of preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines will require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals aren't exposed, and that it is safely placed upright.
Depending on the airline you travel with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your number, and your wheelchair model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You may also want to think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that help you remain in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two 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 prior to the time you plan to depart. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check in earlier and gives ample time for the airline representative to assist you with stowing your chair.
Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for damages. You should also consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat so that your journey is as comfortable as it can be for you. Seat cushions are particularly important when you travel for more than an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin preventing soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric power chair wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can be intimidating. But, with the right preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, air travel with a power chair is possible.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check-in your chair, whether it is at the ticket counter or the gate. In either case, it's advised to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure website it is safely stowed for your trip.
Depending on the kind of power chair you have It could be required to disassemble it prior to check here transport. In this instance it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly hand to assist the airline personnel handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair, including the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable accessories before you leave for the airport, and to make sure all of the controls are functioning properly.
Once you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra for stowing assistive devices like power chairs. This is an excellent benefit for those who have disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.
A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which will fit on the aircraft aisle when the plane arrives. Then, you will be able to board the plane, and your wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as possible, either at the jet bridge or at the more info gate.
A trip with an electric wheelchair may seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adherence to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new destinations without difficulty. The most important thing to remember is that if not comfortable in your chair, you'll not be able to fully take advantage of the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people with mobility issues. If you're traveling with an electric or wheelchair, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is essential to follow the airline's guidelines regarding taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to ask about their policy and ask any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you electric wheelchairs lightweight to fly with a electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also require that you take down the battery-powered part of your wheelchair, and then place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Make sure you arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to departure. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, such as your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure to explain your mobility needs clearly. Explain your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you might require, such as seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a separate cart or checking it for stowage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, try to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the number of times that your equipment will be moved between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair, the same way they would with your luggage. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.