Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are many aspects to be considered. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions regarding the dimensions of your chair, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have all these details in hand prior to you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines can be safely transported and stowed on planes. They typically come with non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel and can be stored under the plane as checked luggage. They'll also be able to move on rough surfaces such as deceleration stripes, gravel, bricks or muddy roads. They could also be equipped with a patent-pending power drive system that permits them to move in tight spaces or lifts.
Airlines will assist you with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate to board. It is crucial to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any specific needs and to confirm that they can meet the requirements. Some airlines require you to be at least an hour before the departure time you have scheduled, which is important during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes that allows for the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and is first come first served. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair, since federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with a safe design to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also request that you check-in an hour before your flight so that they can ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information regarding your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe method of travel. These electric chairs can be folded and comply with airline guidelines regarding 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. They can assist you in preparing your itinerary and give you the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed, and it is stored upright.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment in case it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also want to think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If you can be there at least two hours earlier than your departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and allows the airline representative ample time to help you stow your chair.
Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged on the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for any damages from the airline. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make the trip as comfortable as you possibly can. A seat cushion is essential when you travel for longer than an hour, because this will minimize pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, the process of boarding a plane can be an overwhelming experience. Air travel with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Talk to an airline representative prior to booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the best direction, whether you prefer to check-in your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is recommended. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely for your trip.
Depending on the model of your power chair, it may be necessary to disassemble it prior to transportation. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions on hand to help the staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, like the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable accessories before you travel to the airport, and to make sure all the controls are functioning properly.
When you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and then stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra to store assistive devices, like electric chairs. This is a wonderful benefit for people with disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.
When the plane lands, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit in the aisle of the aircraft. You will then be able to get off the plane and your wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric chair can be daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the thrill 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'll never take advantage of the freedom that travel provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to the guidelines of your airline for the transportation and storage of your chair on the airplane. Contact the airline prior to departure to learn about their policies on power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it correctly to travel. Certain airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding, and others read more will need a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with your power wheelchair. Some airlines may also demand that you remove the battery-powered part of your wheelchair, and place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Once you're at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your departure time to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you might require to the airport, like your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and can help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets or at the gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Be sure to describe the kind of wheelchair you own and any necessary accessories, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for stowage. If you are transferring from here your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an express flight to reduce website the amount of times your equipment is moved between places.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a photo of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.