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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many aspects to take into consideration when traveling with a powered chair. electric wheelchairs for sale at the airport and on the plane will ask you numerous questions regarding the dimensions of your chair, battery type and how to handle it.
Make sure you have these details ready prior to your trip to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that are compliant with the requirements for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and stowed securely on planes. They typically come with an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stowed underneath the plane as checked luggage. Furthermore they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending which allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. It is essential to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure they are aware of any special requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet the requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of the time of departure, which is especially important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. This space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. They also require that any additional batteries be checked as part of the wheelchair or scooter, as federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with an effective design to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful information regarding your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient method of travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and storage. If you plan to fly with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. 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 to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed and it is stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you use, you may need to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your phone number, and your wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it gets lost or is mishandled during your journey. You might also think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which allow you to remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
You should always arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is done. If possible be there earlier than two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the airline representative to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you leave to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in pursuing compensation for any damages from the airline. Consider bringing along cushions to make the trip as comfortable as possible. Cushions for seats are essential for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be intimidating. However, with proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, flying with your power chair is possible.
Before booking your flight, talk to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check-in your chair regardless of whether it's at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This gives the airline ample time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it will be stowed safely for your journey.
Depending on the model of your power chair It could be necessary to disassemble it prior to it is transported. If this is the case, it's important to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the airline personnel 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 an excellent idea to take out any detachable items prior to you leave for the airport and also to ensure that all controls are functioning properly.
When you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and then stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging you an additional fee to stow assistive devices like power wheelchairs. This is a wonderful benefit for passengers with disabilities, because it can help them avoid unnecessary expenses.
A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which will fit on the aisle of the aircraft once the plane arrives. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with proper planning and following the guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new places. The most important thing to remember is that if you are uncomfortable in your chair, you'll never 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 journey less stress-inducing for you, but it's essential to follow the guidelines of your airline for transporting and stowing your chair on board the airplane. Contact the airline prior to departure to find out their policy regarding power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines may require you to recharge the batteries before boarding, and some will need to have a doctor's recommendation on file before they will allow you to fly using your electric chair. Some airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, be 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 documentation you might require to the airport, including your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the airline's ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility requirements. Provide the kind of wheelchair you own and any necessary accessories, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft using a specialized cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book an direct flight to cut down on the number of times your device is moved between different locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photo of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.
