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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are several things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and the airline will inquire about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to use it.

Make sure you have this information prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.

What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stored on planes. They usually have a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stowed underneath the plane as checked luggage. Additionally, they will be able to move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or muddy roads. They could also be equipped with a patented power drive system that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate to board. It is important to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure that they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they are able to meet the requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to the departure time you have scheduled which is essential during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes for the stowage and storage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and is first come first served. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the scooter or wheelchair, since federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a secure design to stop accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request that you check-in an hour prior to your flight to ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. In addition, they ask to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure secure and comfortable travel. These chairs are designed to fold, and they comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety purposes and place it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in a upright position.

Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment in case it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.

Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If you are able be there earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the airline representative ample time to help you stow your chair.

Before you travel, take a picture of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during your flight. This will give you the ability to seek compensation from the airline for damages. You should also think about bringing a seat cushion with you, so that the flight is as relaxing as possible for you. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights that last more than 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 an overwhelming experience. Traveling with a power chair is achievable with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.

Talk to an airline representative before making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check-in your chair whether at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour before your flight. all terrain wheelchair electric allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it is properly stowed for your trip.

Depending on the type of power chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it's beneficial 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 documents to your chair, such as the owner's manual as well as warranty information. Also, remove any accessories that are removable and check whether all controls function before you depart for the airport.

Once you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the plane. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you a cost to store assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, as it helps them save money.

A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that will fit on the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. After disembarking, your wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or the gate.

Traveling with an electric chair can be daunting, but with careful planning and adherence to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure 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 offers.





Check-Out

Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be extremely stressful for people with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on the airplane. Contact the airline prior to departure to find out their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions.

Most airlines will allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your trip as you've prepared it for travel. Some airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with a powered wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered portion of your chair and put it in a protective case.

Make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours before the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, including your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will make it easier for the check-in process and can make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.

On arrival at the counter for tickets or gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any accessories you might require for example, sideguards or seat cushions. 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 direct flight to cut down on the number times your equipment is moved between different locations.

Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment along with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to take a photograph prior to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.