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 to handle it.

Make sure you have these details ready prior to your trip to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that meet air travel regulations.

What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and stowed safely on planes. They will typically have an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be tucked under the plane as checked luggage. Furthermore, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or muddy roads. They may also have a patent-pending power drive system that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the boarding gate. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to make sure they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet those needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before the time of departure, which is especially important in busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage and storage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and it's first come, first serve. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected as part of the wheelchair or scooter, because federal regulations require they be disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with a safe design to stop accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require that you check-in 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 airport personnel can gather details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful information regarding your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are made for secure and comfortable travel. These chairs are designed to fold, and they meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and storage. If you plan to travel with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the latest information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way to ensure safety and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is secured in an upright position.

Depending on the airline you use, you may need to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, address, your telephone number, and your wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it is lost or mishandled on your trip. You might also think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will allow you to remain in your wheelchair during transfers with airline and airport personnel.

You should arrive at at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure the proper storage of your equipment is done. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This is particularly crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.

Before you leave to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for any damages. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make the trip as comfortable as you possibly can. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights that last more than an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin and will prevent soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can here be intimidating. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is feasible with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.

Speak to an airline representative prior to booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check-in your chair regardless of whether it's at the counter for tickets or the gate. In any case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it is properly stowed to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the kind of power chair you have It could be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this case it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline employees who handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable items prior to you go to the airport and also to ensure that all the controls are functioning properly.

Once you are at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the plane. Airlines are not allowed to charge you extra for the stowing of assistive devices like power chairs. This is an excellent benefit for those with disabilities as it helps them avoid costly expenses.

A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can be able to fit into the aircraft aisle when the plane arrives. You can then disembark and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.

Traveling with an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with careful get more info planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new places easily. It is crucial to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it provides.

Check-Out

Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for those with mobility issues. If you have a wheelchair or a scooter can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's essential to follow the airline's guidelines for bringing your chair and storing 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 policies and get any questions answered.

Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, so long as you prepare it for travel. Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with your electric wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered component of your chair and put it in a case that is protected.

Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before flight. Bring any documentation you might need to the airport, such as your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will help speed up the check-in process and can prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.

On arrival at the counter for tickets or gate, make sure to communicate clearly your get more info mobility requirements. Discuss your wheelchair and any accessories you may need like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be examining your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the aircraft using an appropriate cart. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book an express flight to reduce the number of times your device is moved between locations.

After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra for storing your wheelchair or scooter, like they do with your luggage. Take a photograph of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.