Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few aspects to take into consideration when traveling with a powered chair. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have this information prepared before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that are compliant with the requirements for air travel.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and stowed securely on planes. The FAA will approve them for travel on planes and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or roads that are muddy. They may also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the gates for boarding. It is crucial to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate the requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive at least an hour prior to your scheduled departure which is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes for the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and operates on an initial-come first-serve basis. Federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be removed unless they are designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask to check-in one hour before your flight so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to fill out 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
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure secure and comfortable travel. These power chairs can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline guidelines for battery size and handling, as well as stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can assist you in planning your trip and give you the most current information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is secured in an upright position.
Based on your airline depending on your airline, you might be required to label your wheelchair with the following information such as your name address, address, phone number and model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment in case it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which allow you to remain in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at at two hours before the departure time you have scheduled to ensure that proper stowage of your equipment is done. Being earlier than that is even better if possible especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and gives the airline representative plenty of time to help you stow your chair.
Before you leave, take a picture of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in obtaining compensation for the damages from the airline. You should also consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. Using a seat cushion is essential for flights that last over an hour, as this will minimize pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
For those who travel with an airline approved electric wheelchair, boarding a plane can be a daunting prospect. However, with proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, air travel with your power chair is attainable.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the best direction, here whether you prefer to check-in your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it is properly and properly stored for your trip.
Depending on your power chair It may be necessary for you to disassemble it before it is transported. In this situation it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on the go to help airline employees who handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any accessories that are removable and ensure that all controls are functioning before you leave for the airport.
When you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be loaded into the more info cargo area and stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge you extra for the stowing of assistive devices such as power chairs. This is a wonderful benefit for people with disabilities, because it can help them save money.
When the plane lands at the airport, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from get more info your power wheelchair to one that is able to slide into the aisle of the aircraft. You can then disembark and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible location to the aircraft door or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with the proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new locations. It is essential to keep in mind that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers with mobility problems. If you're using mobility scooters or wheelchairs, it can make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it's important that you follow the airline's guidelines for the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and ask any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as that you prepare it for travel. Certain airlines might require you to charge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a medical note on file before they will allow you to fly using your power chair. Certain airlines may also require that you remove the battery powered portion of your chair, and place it into an enclosure that is protected.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, including the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid to the airport. This will help speed up the process of checking in and will help avoid confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
When you reach the airline ticket counter or gate, be sure to explain your mobility needs clearly. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any accessories you may need like seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be placing your wheelchair in a separate cart or checking it for stowage. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, make sure to take a direct flight which will minimize the number of times your equipment will be moved between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment, just like checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you additional fees for the storage of your wheelchair or scooter, just as they would with your luggage. Take a photograph of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.