Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are several aspects to be considered. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have this information prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that comply with the regulations for air travel.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines can be safely transported and stored on planes. They will typically have an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. They will also be able navigate on rough surfaces such as deceleration stripes, gravel, roads that are muddy or brick. They may also have a patent-pending power drive system that enables them to move in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate to board. It is crucial to contact the airline in advance to make sure they are aware of any specific needs and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate them. Certain airlines require you to be at least an hour before the departure time you have scheduled which is essential during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes that allows for the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough and is first come, first served. Federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system 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 request to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed for comfortable and safe travel. These electric chairs can be folded and comply with airline guidelines regarding battery size and handling, as well as stowage. 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 in planning your itinerary and give you the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines will require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way 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 secured in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it gets lost or is damaged during your travels. You may also consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will allow you to remain in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.
You should always arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. Being earlier than that is even better particularly during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to arrive early and allows ample time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Before you travel to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you the ability to get more info seek compensation from the airline for damages. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make your flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Seat cushions are especially important for flights that last more than an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be daunting. However, with proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, traveling using your electric chair is feasible.
Contact an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best way to check in your chair regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to examine 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 to disassemble it before transport. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist airline personnel handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, including the owner's manual as well as warranty information. You should also remove any removable accessories and check whether all controls function before you depart for the airport.
Once you arrive at the airport, your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra to store assistive devices, like power chairs. This is a great benefit for passengers with disabilities since it allows them to save money.
An airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that will fit on the aisle of the aircraft when the plane arrives. You will then be able to board the plane, and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as possible or get more info at the jet bridge or at the gate.
A trip with an electric chair can be daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new places with ease. It is essential to keep in mind that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you will not be able to travel with the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for passengers who suffer from mobility problems. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, however it is important to follow the policies of your airline regarding bringing and stowing your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines mobility electric chair will allow you to take an electric wheelchair on your flight, so you've prepared it for travel. Some airlines may require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a doctor's note in order to allow you to fly with your electric chair. Certain airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case.
Make sure you arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the check-in and prevent confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Explain the type of wheelchair you have and any other accessories you may require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or whether it will be transported to the plane using an appropriate cart. If you're transferring to the plane with your electric power chairs for handicapped wheelchair, make sure to make a direct flight which will cut down on 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 as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the power chairs for sale storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a photo of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.