Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few aspects to take into consideration when traveling with an electric chair. Airport and airline staff will ask you numerous questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have this information prepared before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that comply with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stowed on planes. They will typically have an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes, roads that are muddy or brick. They may also be equipped with a patented drive system which allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the gates for boarding. It is essential to contact the airline in advance to ensure they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they can meet these requirements. Some airlines require you to be at least an hour before the departure time you have scheduled This is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected in conjunction with the scooter or wheelchair as federal regulations require that they must be removed from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when you bring electric wheelchairs or scooters 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 that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information regarding your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are made for safe and convenient travel. These power chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size and handling, as well as stowage. If you are planning to travel with the airline of your choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines ask that you 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 are not exposed and that it is stored upright.
Depending on the airline you travel with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your phone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to assist you in staying in your chair during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
You should always arrive at at least two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure proper stowage of your equipment is completed. Being earlier than that is even better particularly during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to traveling. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for any damages from the airline. You should also consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat so that your journey is as relaxing as possible for you. Cushions for seats are essential for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce pressure on your skin, and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be a daunting task. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is achievable with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to check-in your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure it is safely and properly stored for your trip.
Depending on the kind of power chair you have It could be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist airline employees handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any accessories that can be removed prior to when you travel to the airport, and to make sure all controls are functioning properly.
Once you arrive at the airport your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and then stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging an additional cost to store assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for people who have disabilities, as they can avoid unnecessary costs.
After the plane has landed in the air, a representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle. You will then be able to disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with careful planning and adherence to guidelines, you can be able to experience the joy of exploring new locations easily. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable in your chair, you will electric motor wheel chair not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for passengers with mobility problems. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on board the plane. Contact the airline in advance to find out their policy regarding power chairs and to ask any questions.
Many airlines will allow passengers to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines may require you to charge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a doctor's recommendation on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your motorized chair. Certain airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered part of your chair and then place it in a case that is protected.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to flight. Bring any documents you need to the airport, including your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will help speed up the check-in process and can make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
When you reach the counter for tickets to airline or gate, be sure to communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Provide the type of wheelchair you have and any necessary accessories, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be placing your wheelchair in a separate cart or checking it for storage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, try to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the amount of times your equipment will be transferred between locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra to store your scooter or wheelchair, like they do with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to capture a photo before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.