Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things you should consider when traveling with a powered chair. 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.
Make sure you have this information ready prior to your trip to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that meet the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or roads that are muddy. They could also be equipped with a patented power drive system that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or lifts.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the gates for boarding. It is important to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any specific needs and confirm that they can meet these requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of your departure time which is crucial during busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited, and it's first come first served. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring an electric wheelchair or scooter aboard their flights. They also request to check-in at least an hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information regarding your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe way to travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold up and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines require you to 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 safely stored upright.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your phone number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment in case it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may also think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. Being earlier than that is even better particularly during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and gives the airline representative ample time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair before you travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for any damages. You should also consider bringing cushions for your seats, so that the flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. Cushions for seats are essential for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce the pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be intimidating. Traveling with a power chair is feasible with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Contact an airline representative before making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They'll be able to guide you in the right direction, whether you prefer to make your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it's advised to arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect heavy duty electric wheelchair your equipment and ensure that it is properly and properly stored 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 is helpful to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist airline employees handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, such as the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any accessories that can be removed prior to when you go to the airport, and to make sure all of the controls are functioning properly.
Once you are at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra for the stowing of assistive devices such as power chairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.
Once the plane is in the air, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit down the aircraft aisle. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.
A trip with an electric chair can be intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new locations without difficulty. It is crucial to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able check here to travel with the freedom it provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for passengers with mobility problems. If you have an electric or wheelchair could make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's crucial to adhere to the airline's guidelines regarding taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to ask about their policy read more and ask any questions.
Most airlines will let you bring an electric chair on your flight, as provided you prepare it correctly to travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries website prior to taking off and others will need a doctor's letter prior to allowing you to fly with your powered wheelchair. Some airlines will also require you to take apart the battery-powered part of your wheelchair and place it in a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours before the power chairs for disabled time of departure 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 for assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will speed up check-in process and help avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
On arrival at the ticket counter or gate, make sure to clearly communicate your mobility requirements. Explain the kind of wheelchair you own and any necessary accessories like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or examining it for stowage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book an direct flight to cut down on the number times your equipment is moved between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane it will be stored 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 photo of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.