Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many things you should 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.
Make sure you have this information in your possession prior to you head to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that meet the regulations for air travel.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for air travel, and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. Additionally, they will be able to move on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or muddy roads. They may also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending which allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate for boarding. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet those needs. Certain airlines require you to arrive at least an hour prior to your scheduled departure This is particularly important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited, and it's first come, first served. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to you bring an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask to check-in at least an hour before your flight so that they can ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure secure and comfortable travel. They can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. best electric wheelchair for travel can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the latest information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed and that it is safely stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your trip. You may also think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will help you remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is done. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours before your scheduled departure time. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to help you stow your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair before you travel. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make your flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Seat cushions are especially important for flights lasting over an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.
Check-In
For those traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane could be a daunting prospect. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is possible with the right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Talk to an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best way to check into your seat whether at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is recommended. This gives the airline ample time to inspect your equipment and ensure 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 it for transport. If this is the case, it's helpful to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist airline employees handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any removable items and check that all controls work before you leave for the airport.
Once you are at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the airplane. The airlines are not allowed to charging an additional cost to store assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for those with disabilities since they can avoid unnecessary costs.
A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that will fit on the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. After disembarking, your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
A trip with an electric chair can be intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to the guidelines, you can be able to experience the joy of exploring new destinations easily. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are uncomfortable in your chair, you will not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that traveling offers.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for people who suffer from mobility problems. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, however it is important to follow your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on the plane. Contact the airline in advance to inquire about their policy on power chairs and to inquire about any questions.
Most airlines allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your flight as provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a doctor's letter to allow you to travel with your power wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you disassemble the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair, and place it into an enclosure that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. Bring any documents you require to the airport, such as your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
On arrival at the ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Be sure to describe the type of wheelchair you have and any necessary accessories like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be storing your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for storage. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, you should try to take a direct flight which will reduce the number of times that your equipment will be transferred between locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.