Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are several things to take into consideration. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Be sure to have all of these details in hand prior to you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with the air travel regulations.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA can approve them for travel on planes and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. They can also move on rough surfaces such as deceleration stripes, gravel, roads that are muddy or brick. They may also have an exclusive power drive system that enables them to move in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the gates for boarding. It is crucial to contact the airline prior to your departure to make sure they are aware of any specific needs and confirm that they are able to meet the requirements. Some airlines require you to be at least one hour prior to your scheduled departure time which is essential during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. This space is limited and operated on an initial-come first-serve basis. They also require that any additional batteries be checked as part of the scooter or wheelchair, as federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to you bring electric wheelchairs or scooters on their flights. They also require to check-in one hour prior to your flight to ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. In addition, they ask that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions as well as other useful details about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These power chairs are made to fold and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and put it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in a straight position.
Based on your airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name, address, phone number and model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your chair while you travel with airport personnel and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure read more time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If possible, arrive earlier than two hours prior to the time you plan to depart. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you travel to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for damages from the airline. You more info should also think about bringing a seat cushion with you so that your journey is as comfortable as possible for you. Seat cushions are especially important when you travel for more than an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin preventing soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling using an approved airline electric wheelchair, getting on a mobility wheelchair electric plane could be an overwhelming experience. Traveling with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best way to check in your chair whether at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have It may be necessary for you to disassemble the chair prior to transportation. In this instance it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly hand to assist the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any accessories that can be removed prior to when you travel to the airport, and to make sure all the controls are functioning properly.
Once you arrive at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are prohibited from charging an additional cost to store assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is a wonderful benefit for passengers with disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.
A representative from the airline will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. After disembarking, your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
A trip with an electric chair can be daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the thrill of exploring new locations with ease. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable in your chair, you'll never take advantage of the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for those who have mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, however it's essential to follow the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact your airline before your trip to inquire about their policies and get any questions answered.
Most airlines will allow you to bring an electric wheelchair on your flight, so you've prepared it for travel. Some airlines might require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a doctor's note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your motorized chair. Certain read more airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered part of your chair and then place it inside a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, like your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up the process of checking in and website will make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
When you reach the counter for tickets to airline or gate, make sure to communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you own and any accessories you require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the aircraft with an adapted cart. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book a direct flight to minimize the number times your equipment is moved between places.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair like they do with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must capture a photo before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.