Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are several things to consider. Airport and airline staff will ask you many questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.

Make sure you have all these details in hand prior to you head to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with the air travel regulations.

What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for air travel, and they can be stowed under the plane as checked baggage. Additionally, they will be able to move on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or roads that are muddy. They may also have a patent-pending power drive system that enables them to move in tight spaces or lifts.

Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate for boarding. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to make sure they are aware of your needs and confirm that they can meet those needs. Certain airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to your departure time This is crucial during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and operated on an initial-come first-serve basis. The federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected unless they are designed 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 so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful information regarding your mobility chair or power scooter.

Safety

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed for secure and comfortable travel. These chairs are designed to fold up and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and storage. If you are planning to travel with the airline of your preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in preparing your itinerary and give you the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to remove your wheelchair's battery to ensure safety and put it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed, and that it is safely placed upright.

Depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following information such as your name address, number, and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your trip. You may also want to look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which aid you in staying in your wheelchair during transfers with airline and airport personnel.

Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. Being earlier than that is even better, especially during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the airline representative to assist you with stowing your chair.

Photograph your wheelchair prior to traveling. This serves as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for any damages from the airline. You should also think about bringing cushions for your seats, so that the flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Cushions for seats are essential when you travel for more than an hour. They reduce pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.

Check-In

The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be intimidating. However, with proper preparation and adherence click here to rules and regulations, air travel with a power chair is attainable.

Speak to an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check-in your chair, whether it is at the ticket counter or the gate. In any case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and ensure it will be stowed safely to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the kind of chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it's important to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the staff of the airline handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. Also, take off read more any removable items and check whether all controls function before you depart for the airport.

When you arrive at the airport your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and then stowed. more info The airlines are prohibited from charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, as it helps them save money.

An airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that will fit on the aisle of the aircraft once the plane lands. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your power wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as is possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.

It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with the proper planning and following the guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new destinations. more info The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not comfortable in your chair, you'll never take advantage of the freedom that travel offers.

Check-Out

Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be extremely stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, but it's important to adhere to your airline's policies for the transportation and storage of your chair on the airplane. Contact the airline ahead of time to inquire about their policy on power chairs and to inquire about any questions.

Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair on your flight, as provided you prepare it correctly for travel. Certain airlines may require you to charge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a doctor's note in order to allow you to fly with your electric chair. Certain airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and put it in a protective case.

Once you're at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, such as the owner's manual as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

When you reach the read more ticket counter of your airline or at the gate, be sure to communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Discuss your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may need, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage or if it will be transferred to the aircraft using a specialized cart. If you're transferring to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will reduce the number of times that 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 baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a photograph of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.