Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things you should consider when traveling with an electric chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you many questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Be sure to have all this information at hand before you leave for the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and safely stowed on airplanes. The FAA can approve them for air travel, and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. Additionally they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or roads that are muddy. They may also have a patented power drive system that permits them to move in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the gates for boarding. However, it is essential to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet those requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time which is essential during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes for the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and operates on an initial-come first-serve basis. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the wheelchair or scooter, because federal regulations require they must be removed from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to bringing an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also request that you check-in an hour before your flight, to ensure proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your mobility or power chair. scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure safe and convenient travel. These power chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and give you the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to remove your wheelchair's battery for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is safely stowed in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it gets lost or damaged during your travels. You may also want to look into purchasing slings from the 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 arrive at at two hours before the departure time you have scheduled to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. Being earlier than that is even better, especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to arrive early and allows plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will help you to seek compensation for the damages from the airline. You should also consider bringing a seat cushion with you, so that the flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Using a seat cushion is essential when you travel for longer than an hour, because it will reduce the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can be a daunting task. Traveling on a plane with a powered 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 guide you on the best way to check in your chair regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure it is safely and properly stored for your journey.
Depending on the model of your power chair It could be necessary for you to disassemble it before it is transported. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist airline employees handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair, like the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable accessories before you travel to the airport and also to ensure that all of the controls are working properly.
When you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is a wonderful benefit for those with disabilities because it can help them avoid unnecessary expenses.
A representative from the airline will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can be able to fit into the aircraft aisle when the plane arrives. Then, you will be able to board the plane, and your power wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as you can, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It may seem daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new destinations. The most important thing to remember is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never be able to take advantage of the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for those with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, but it is important to follow your airline's policies for bringing and stowing your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your travels to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair for your flight, so long as you prepare it correctly to travel. Certain airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to fly with your electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in a case that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you may need to the airport, such as your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
When you arrive at the ticket counter of your airline or gate, make sure to explain your mobility needs clearly. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any accessories you may require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will amazon power chairs be checking your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the plane using an appropriate cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, try to make a direct flight which will reduce the number of times your equipment will be transferred between different locations.
After 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 extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a photo of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.