Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things to consider when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and the airline will inquire about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Be sure to have these details in hand prior to you travel to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that are compliant with the requirements for air travel.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stored on planes. They will typically have a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be tucked under the plane as checked baggage. Additionally they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or roads that are muddy. They could also be fitted with a patented drive system which allows them to maneuver 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 essential to contact the airline in advance to make sure they are aware of any specific needs and confirm that they will be able to accommodate them. Certain airlines require you to be at least one hour prior to your scheduled departure time which is essential during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their cabins for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. try these guys is not large enough and is first come, first serve. The federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. 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 ask that you check-in an hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold up and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and storage. If you're planning to travel with your airline of preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in preparing your itinerary and give you the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way 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 the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, address, your telephone number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment in case it should become lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also look into purchasing slings from the 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 the airport at two hours before the departure time you have scheduled to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is completed. If possible you can arrive earlier than two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the airline representative ample time to help you stow your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair before you travel. This will serve as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline for any damages. You should consider bringing cushions to make the flight as comfortable as you can. Using a seat cushion is essential for flights that last more than an hour, since it reduces pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can be daunting. However, with proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, traveling using your electric chair is possible.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can help you navigate in the right direction, whether you prefer to check-in your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended that you arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and make sure that it will be stowed safely for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have It may be necessary for you to disassemble the chair prior to transportation. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline personnel handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair, such as the owner's manual and warranty information. Also, take off any removable items and make sure whether all controls function before you depart for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport, your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and then stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for those who have disabilities, as they can avoid costly expenses.
A representative from the airline will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that will fit on the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. After disembarking, your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with right planning and following guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new locations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll never enjoy the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for those who have mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, however it's important to adhere to your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, so provided you prepare it to travel. Certain airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a doctor's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your powered wheelchair. Some airlines may also demand that you remove the battery powered portion of your chair and place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your departure. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, such as the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up the check-in and prevent confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
Upon arriving at the airline's ticket counter or gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Explain the kind of wheelchair you own and any accessories you require like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft with a specialized cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book an direct flight to cut down on the amount of times your equipment is moved between places.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair, like they do with your luggage. Take a photo of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.