Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things you should consider when traveling with powered chairs. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you numerous questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and safely stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for use on flights and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. They will also be able move on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes, brick or muddy road. They may also have a patent-pending power drive system that enables them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate for boarding. However, it is important to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your requirements and to confirm they can meet those needs. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour ahead of your scheduled departure, which is especially important during busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request to check-in one hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful information about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to offer the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. If you are planning to travel with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety. You can then put it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and that it is safely stored upright.
Depending on your airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details such as your name address, address, phone number and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it should become lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours prior to the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the airline representative plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you travel, take a picture of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation power chair amazon from the airline in case of damages. You should also consider bringing cushions for your seats so that your journey is as comfortable as it can be for you. Seat cushions are especially important when you travel for more than an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is approved 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, you should speak with an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check into your seat regardless of whether it's at the counter for tickets or the gate. In any case, it is recommended to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely stowed to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the kind of chair you own It may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this case it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the table to aid airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. You should also remove any accessories that are removable and ensure that all controls are functioning before you depart for the airport.
When you arrive at an airport your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra for the stowing of assistive devices such as power chairs. This is a great benefit for passengers with disabilities since it allows them to avoid unnecessary costs.
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 slide into the aisle of the aircraft. You will then be able to board the plane, and your power wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as you can in either the jet bridge or at the gate.
Traveling with an electric chair can be intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to the guidelines, you can be able to experience the joy of exploring new places easily. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that traveling provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be very stressful for those who have mobility issues. If you have mobility scooters or wheelchairs can make your trip more enjoyable. However, it is important that you follow the airline's guidelines regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policy and ask any questions.
Most airlines will let you bring an electric chair on your flight, as that you prepare it to travel. Some airlines might require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some will need to have a doctor's recommendation on file before they will allow you to fly with your motorized chair. Some airlines will also require you to remove the battery-powered component of your chair and then place it in a protective case.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, like the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up check-in and prevent confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
If you are at the ticket counter of your airline or at the gate, be sure you be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Explain your wheelchair and any accessories you may need for example, sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or examining it for stowage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will reduce the number of times that your equipment will be transferred between locations.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra for storing a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photo of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.