Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things you should consider when traveling with an electric chair. Airport and airline staff will ask you many questions about your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.
Be sure to have all this information in your possession prior to you leave for the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with the regulations for air travel.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines can be safely transported and stowed on planes. They will typically have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel and can be stowed underneath the plane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or muddy roads. They could also be equipped with a patented power drive system that permits them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the gates for boarding. It is however important to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet your needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before the time of departure which is crucial during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and on the basis of first-come-first-serve. The federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check in an hour before your flight, so they can ensure the 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 useful information regarding your mobility or power chair. scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in preparing your itinerary and give you the most current information on 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 for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals aren't exposed, and that it is stored upright.
Based on your airline, you may 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 precisely identify the equipment if it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to allow you to remain in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If you are able be there earlier than two hours prior to the time you plan to depart. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the airline representative ample time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during your flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for the damages from the airline. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make your flight as comfortable as you can. A seat cushion is particularly important for flights that will last more than an hour, since it will reduce the pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be daunting. Traveling with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check in your chair, whether it is at the ticket counter or the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that it's safely stored for your journey.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions in order to aid the airline employees handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair, such as the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable items prior to you go to the airport and also to ensure that all controls are working properly.
Once you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the plane. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra fees for the stowing of assistive devices like power chairs. This is a wonderful benefit for passengers with disabilities, as it helps them avoid unnecessary expenses.
A representative from the airline will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can electric bariatric wheelchair fit down the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible location to the aircraft door or at the jetbridge or the gate.
It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with the right planning and following the rules you can have fun exploring new places. The most important thing to remember is that if not comfortable in your chair, you'll never be able to enjoy the freedom that traveling provides.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for those who have mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, however it's essential to follow your airline's policies for the transportation and storage of your chair on board the airplane. Contact the airline in advance to inquire about their policy on power chairs, and to inquire about any questions.
Most airlines will allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so you've prepared it for travel. Some airlines might require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a doctor's note in order to allow you to fly using your electric chair. Certain airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered component of your chair and put it in a protective case.
Once you're at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
When you reach the ticket counter of your airline or at the gate, be sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Provide the type of wheelchair you have and any necessary accessories like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be storing your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for storage. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, you should try to make a direct flight which will minimize the number of times your equipment will be transferred between various locations.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must capture a photo before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.