Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things to consider when traveling with powered chairs. 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 at hand before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that are compliant with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and stowed safely on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes, and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. Additionally, they will be able to move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or muddy roads. They could also be equipped with a patent-pending power drive system that permits them to navigate in tight spaces, or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. It is essential to call the airline ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of any special requirements and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate the requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour ahead of your departure time which is crucial during busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. The space is limited and operates on an initial-come first-serve basis. The federal regulations also demand that all batteries added to the system be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be removed unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to taking an electric wheelchair or scooter 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 that airport representatives can get assembly/disassembly information and other helpful details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in preparing your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide you with instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety purposes and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed, and that it is placed upright.
Based on your airline or airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information including your name address, address, phone number and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it gets lost or is mishandled on your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will help you remain in your chair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If you are able, arrive at least two hours earlier than your scheduled departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to help you stow your chair.
Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair read more to use as proof in the event that your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for any damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring cushions for your seats to ensure that your flight is as relaxing as possible for you. Cushions for seats are essential for flights that last more than an off road electric wheelchair hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.
Check-In
For those traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is an intimidating experience. However, with the proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, air travel using your electric chair is attainable.
Contact an airline representative before making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best way to check into your seat whether at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it is advised to arrive at least an hour before your flight. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely for your journey.
Depending on your power chair It could be necessary to disassemble the chair prior to it is transported. In this case it's a good idea to have instructions for here assembly and disassembly on hand to assist the airline personnel who will handle your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, including the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any accessories that can be removed prior to when you leave for the airport, and to make sure all the controls are functioning properly.
Once you are at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the airplane. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra for stowing assistive devices like electric chairs. This is a wonderful benefit for passengers with disabilities, attendant controlled electric power wheelchair as it helps them avoid costly expenses.
Once the plane is in the air at the airport, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your power wheelchair to one that is able to lightweight power chairs slide in the aisle of the aircraft. You can then disembark and your wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible location to the aircraft door, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with the right planning and following the rules you can have fun exploring new places. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never take advantage of the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow the guidelines of your airline for 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 policy and ask any questions.
Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair on your flight, as provided you prepare it for travel. Certain airlines may require you to recharge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a doctor's note on file prior to being able to let you fly with your electric chair. Some airlines may also demand that you disassemble the battery-powered part of your chair and place it into an enclosure that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours before the time of departure to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you may require to the airport, like your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will help speed up the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
On arrival at the airline's ticket counter or gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Explain your wheelchair and any other accessories you might require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be placing your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining it for storage. If you're transferring to the plane with your electric wheelchair, make sure to take a direct flight which will cut down on the number of times that your equipment is moved between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in 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 for storing your wheelchair or scooter, like they do with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a picture of it before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.