Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are several aspects to be considered. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you many questions about your chair's dimensions, battery type and 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 are in compliance with the regulations for air travel.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA can approve them for air travel and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. Furthermore, they will be able to move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or roads that are muddy. They could also be equipped with an exclusive power drive system that enables them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.
Airlines will assist you with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate to board. It is essential to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of the time of 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 of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and is first come, first served. They also require that any additional batteries be checked as part of the scooter or wheelchair, 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-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check in one hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of 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 information about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold up and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and storage. If you are planning to travel with the airline of your 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 up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and place it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals aren't exposed, and that it is stowed upright.
Depending on your airline depending on your airline, you might be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details such as your name address, address, phone number, and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it gets lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at two hours before the departure time you have scheduled to ensure that proper stowage of your equipment is completed. Arriving earlier than this is even better if possible especially during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and allows the airline representative plenty of time to help you stow your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you to seek compensation for any damages from the airline. 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
If you click here are traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is an overwhelming experience. But, with the right preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, air travel with your power chair is feasible.
Before you book your flight, talk 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, whether it is outdoor power chair at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is suggested. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and make sure that it is safely stored for your journey.
Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary to disassemble it before it is transported. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline employees handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, such as the owner's manual or warranty information. Also, remove any accessories that are removable and make sure that all controls work before you depart for the airport.
Once you are at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the plane. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you a cost to store assistive devices like power wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for those with disabilities as it allows them to avoid costly expenses.
An airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can be able to fit into the aircraft aisle when the plane arrives. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible location to the door of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or the gate.
It may seem daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with right planning and following the rules, you can enjoy exploring new places. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never take advantage of the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for passengers with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, however it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on board the airplane. Contact the airline prior to departure to find out their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, so provided you prepare it for travel. Some airlines might require you to charge the batteries prior to boarding and some will require you to have a doctor's note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your power chair. Certain airlines may also require that you take down the battery-powered part of your chair and place it in a protective case.
Make sure you arrive at the airport at minimum two read more hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, including the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly electric wheelchairs for sale or disassembly of your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will speed up the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
On arrival at the airline's ticket counter or gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any other accessories you may require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be storing your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for storage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an direct flight to cut down on the website number of times your device is moved between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you additional fees for the storage of your wheelchair or scooter, just as they would with your luggage. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.