Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are a few aspects to be considered. The staff at the airport and airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to use it.
Make sure you have this information ready prior to your trip to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and stowed securely on airplanes. They usually have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel and can be stowed underneath the plane as checked luggage. They can also navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes, bricks or muddy roads. They may also have a patented power drive system that permits 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 boarding gates. It is however important to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and confirm that they can meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of the time of departure which is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage and storage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is not large enough, and it's first come first served. Federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also request that you check in an hour before your flight, to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your mobility or power chair. scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are made for comfortable and safe travel. These power chairs can be folded and comply with airline guidelines regarding battery size handling, stowage, and handling. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you fly with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your phone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment in case it should become lost or damaged during your trip. You may also want to think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that allow you to remain in your wheelchair during transfers with airline and airport personnel.
You should arrive at at minimum two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is completed. Arriving earlier than this is even better particularly during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and allows the airline representative plenty of time to help you stow your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair before you travel. This can be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you leverage to seek compensation for damages from the airline. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make the flight as comfortable as possible. Using a seat cushion is particularly important for flights that last longer website than an hour, because it reduces pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can be intimidating. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is achievable with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, speak to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check into your seat regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This read more allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it is safely stored for your journey.
Based on the model of power chair you have It may be required to disassemble it prior to transport. In this case, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the go to help airline employees who handle your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, such as the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable accessories before you go to the airport and also to ensure that all the controls are functioning properly.
Once you are at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are not allowed to charging an additional cost to store assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for those with disabilities as they can avoid unnecessary costs.
Once the plane is in the air at the airport, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit into the aisle of the aircraft. After disembarking, your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or at the gate.
Traveling with an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to guidelines, you can be able to experience the joy of exploring new locations easily. It is important to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to travel with the freedom it offers.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be very stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. If you're using a wheelchair or a scooter could make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it's essential to follow the airline's guidelines regarding 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 prior to your travels to inquire about their policies and to get any questions answered.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, so that you prepare it for travel. Some airlines require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will need a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with a powered wheelchair. Some airlines will also require you to take apart the battery-powered component of your chair and then place it in a protective case.
Once you're at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's important to bring any documentation, like website your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
Upon arriving at the ticket counter or at the gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Explain the type of wheelchair you have and any accessories you require like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage, or if it will be transferred to the aircraft using an appropriate cart. If you're taking a transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, you should try to take a direct flight which will minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between various locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment, just like checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to take a photograph before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.