Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things to consider when traveling with a powered chair. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you many questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have this information ready before you go to the airport. Make sure 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 transported and stowed securely on airplanes. They typically come with a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be tucked under the plane as checked luggage. They can also move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes, bricks or muddy roads. They could also be equipped with a patented power drive system that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or lifts.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the gates for boarding. It is essential to contact the airline in advance to ensure that they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate them. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your scheduled departure, which is especially important 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 wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and operated on an initial-come first-serve basis. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair since federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with a safe design to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour before your flight, so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe way to travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold up and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines will require you to remove your wheelchair's battery to ensure safety and put it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals aren't exposed, and that it is safely placed upright.
Depending on the airline you use depending on your airline, you might be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information: your name address, number, and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it gets lost or is mishandled on your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your chair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at two hours before the time of departure to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. If you can, arrive earlier than two hours before your scheduled departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to arrive early and allows ample time for the airline representative to assist you with stowing your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you the leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for any damages. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make the trip as comfortable as possible. The use of a cushion for your seat is especially important for flights that last longer than an hour, because this will minimize the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
For those traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, the process of boarding a plane can be an overwhelming experience. Traveling with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They'll be able to guide you in the best direction, no matter if you prefer to check-in your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour prior to your flight is suggested. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and ensure it will be safely towed for your trip.
Depending on the model of your power chair It could be necessary to disassemble the chair prior to 25 stone capacity electric wheelchair it is transported. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline personnel handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, including the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also here recommended to take off any accessories that can be removed prior to when you leave for the airport and also to ensure that all controls are working properly.
When you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra to store assistive devices, such as power chairs. This is a great benefit for those with disabilities since they can avoid costly expenses.
A representative from the airline will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft once the plane lands. You will then be able to board the plane, and your power wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as possible or at the jet bridge or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with the right planning here and adherence 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're not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never enjoy the freedom that travel provides.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for those who have mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow the guidelines of your airline for the transportation and storage of your chair on board the plane. Contact the airline ahead of time to check here find out their policy regarding power chairs and to ask any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to bring an electric wheelchair on your flight as long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to fly with your power wheelchair. Some airlines will also require you to remove the battery-powered part of your chair and put it in a case that is protected.
Get to the airport at least two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your departure. It's important to bring any documentation, such as your owner manual and any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and can make sure that there is no confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
When you arrive at the ticket counter or gate, make sure to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Discuss your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you might require for example, seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft with an adapted cart. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book a direct flight to minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between different locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo area along with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your scooter or power chair wheelchair the same way they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, make sure you take a photograph prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.