Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to consider. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how to handle it.
Be sure to have all of this information in your possession prior to you head to the airport. Make sure that 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 planes. The FAA will approve them for air travel, and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll be able to move on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, brick or muddy roads. They could also be equipped with a patented power drive system that allows them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet those needs. Certain airlines require you to be at least an hour before your departure time, which is important during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. The space is limited, and it's first come first served. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected in conjunction with the scooter or wheelchair because federal regulations require they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a safe design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check in an hour before your flight, to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information regarding your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines will 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 aren't exposed, and that it is stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, address, your telephone number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it should become lost or damaged during your trip. You may also consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airport and airline personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the airline representative plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair before you travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in obtaining compensation for the damages from the airline. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make your flight as comfortable as you can. Seat cushions are especially important for flights lasting over an hour. They will reduce the 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 can be a daunting task. However, with the proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, traveling using your electric chair is possible.
Before you book your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to help you navigate in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to get your chair at the ticket counter or at 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 trip.
Depending on the model of your power chair, it may be necessary to disassemble it prior to transport. In this case it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to assist the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable items prior to you go to the airport and to ensure all the controls are in working order.
Once you arrive at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the plane. The airlines are not allowed to charging an additional cost to store assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for people who have disabilities, as it allows them to save money.
After the plane has landed in the read more air, a representative from the airline will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to one that can fit down the aircraft aisle. After disembarking, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible location to the door of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or at the gate.
A trip with an electric wheelchair can seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adherence to guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new places without difficulty. It is essential to keep in mind that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it offers.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for passengers with mobility problems. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow the guidelines of your airline for bringing more info and stowing your chair on board the airplane. If best power chair you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline before your trip to inquire about their policies and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair for your flight, so that you prepare it correctly for travel. Certain airlines might require you to recharge the batteries before boarding, and some will need to heavy duty electric wheelchairs have a medical note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your electric chair. Some airlines will also require you to disassemble the battery-powered part of your chair and put it in a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. Bring any documentation you might need to the airport, like your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and avoid confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
If you are at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any other accessories you may require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for storage. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an direct flight to cut down on the number times your equipment is moved between places.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo area along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra for storing your wheelchair or scooter, like they do with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, make sure you capture a photo bariatric electric wheelchair prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.