Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many aspects to take into consideration when traveling with a powered chair. Airport and airline staff will ask you many questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how to handle it.
Make sure you have all this information at hand before you head to the airport. Also, 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 ones that are designed to be transported and safely stowed on planes. They typically come with a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stowed underneath the plane as checked baggage. They can also navigate on rough surfaces, such as deceleration stripes, gravel, roads that are muddy or brick. They may also be equipped with a unique drive system which allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline in advance to make sure they are aware of any special requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of your scheduled departure, which is especially important during busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough and is first come, first serve. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the wheelchair or scooter, since federal regulations require that they must be removed from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to you bring an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour before your flight to ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. They also request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent details about your mobility or power chair. scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed for comfortable and safe travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These experts can assist you in planning your travel itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and put it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in an upright position.
Depending on your airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information such as your name, address, phone number and model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also want to look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that aid you in staying in your wheelchair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure the proper storage of your equipment is completed. Arriving earlier than this is even better if possible, especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This lets you check in early and provides plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during your flight. This will give you possibility of website pursuing compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make your flight as comfortable as possible. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce the pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be intimidating. Traveling with a power chair is achievable with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check in your chair regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour prior to your flight is recommended. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the kind of power chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any removable accessories and make sure that all controls are functioning before you leave 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 stowing assistive devices like power chairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, since it allows them to avoid unnecessary expenses.
An airline employee can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that will fit on the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. Then, you will be able to get off the plane and your power wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
A trip with an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with the right planning and adherence to guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new places easily. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never be able to enjoy the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for people with mobility issues. If you have a wheelchair or a scooter can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is important that you follow the airline's policies regarding taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline ahead of time to learn about their policies on power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines will allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your trip as long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a physician's letter to allow you to travel with your electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair electric wheelchair to buy and place it in a case that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, like your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, with you to the small electric wheelchair airport. This will make it easier for the check-in process and make sure that there is no confusion about the electric mobility chairs for adults policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Explain the kind of wheelchair you're using and any necessary accessories, such as cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be examining your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft using an adapted cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book a direct flight to minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between places.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra to store your scooter or wheelchair, just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, make sure website you capture a photo before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.