Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many things you should consider when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you many questions about your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have these details ready prior to your trip to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with the regulations for air travel.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will approve them for travel on planes and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. In addition they'll be able to navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending which allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. However, it is important to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before the time of departure which is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes that allows for the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and operated on an initial-come first-serve basis. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require to check-in one hour before your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure safe and convenient travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. If you are planning 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. They can assist you in planning your trip and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and place it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is secured in an upright position.
Depending on the airline you travel with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your phone number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it gets lost or damaged during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If you can, arrive earlier than two hours before your scheduled departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you the ability to seek compensation from the airline for any damages. You should also think about bringing an extra cushion for your seat so that your journey is as comfortable as it can be for you. Cushions for seats are essential when you travel for more than an hour. They will reduce the pressure on your skin and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be a read more daunting task. However, with the proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, air travel using your electric chair is possible.
Contact an airline representative prior to booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best way to check-in your chair, whether it is at the ticket counter or the gate. In any case, it is recommended that you arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and ensure that it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the type of chair you own It could be required to disassemble it prior to transport. In this case it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the table to aid airline personnel who will handle 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 detachable accessories before you leave for the airport and also to ensure that all controls are in working order.
Once you are at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra fees to store assistive devices, like power chairs. This is a great benefit for those who have disabilities, as it helps them save money.
An airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which will fit on the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. Then, you will be able to board the plane, and your wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as possible or at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It can be a bit all terrain electric wheelchair daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with right planning and following the rules you can have fun exploring new locations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if uncomfortable in your chair, you will never be able to take advantage of the freedom that travel provides.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding bringing and stowing your chair on board the airplane. Contact the airline prior to departure to learn about their policies on power chairs and to ask website any questions.
Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair for your flight, so long as you prepare it to travel. Certain airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with your electric 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 departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare get more info your wheelchair for the flight. It's important to bring any documentation, such as your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
Upon arriving at the counter for tickets or gate, make sure to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Provide a description of your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you might require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be storing your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for stowage. If check here you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, try to book a direct flight, which will minimize the number of times that your equipment will be moved between various locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must take a photograph before leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.