Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many things you should consider when traveling with an electric chair. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how to handle it.
Be sure to have all this information in your possession prior to you leave for the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for air travel and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. Additionally they'll be able to move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or roads that are muddy. They may also be equipped with a unique drive system that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the gates for boarding. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and confirm that they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time This is particularly important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin that can be used for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. The space is limited, and it's first come, first serve. Federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be removed unless they are designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also request that you check-in an hour before your flight so that they can ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent details about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide an efficient and safe method of travel. These electric chairs can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline guidelines for battery size handling, stowage, and handling. If you plan to fly with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and then place it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals aren't exposed, and it is placed upright.
Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may want to buy aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at two hours before the time of departure to ensure that proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better if possible particularly during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and gives the airline representative plenty of time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your device is damaged during your flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for damages from the airline. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make the flight as comfortable as possible. Seat cushions are especially important when you travel for more than an hour. They reduce pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be intimidating. Traveling with a power chair is achievable with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Talk to an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check-in your chair, whether it is at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and ensure it will be safely towed for your journey.
Based on the model 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 instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to help the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety or 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 accessories before you leave for the airport and to ensure all of the controls are functioning properly.
Once you arrive at the airport, your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging you a cost to store assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is a wonderful benefit for passengers with disabilities, since it allows them to save money.
A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that will fit on the aisle of the aircraft once the plane arrives. You will then be able discount electric wheelchairs to get off the plane and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as possible in either the jet bridge or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with the proper planning and following the guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new destinations. It is important to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you won't be able to travel with the freedom it affords.
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 stress-inducing for you, but it's essential to follow the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policies and ask any questions.
Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair for your flight, so provided you prepare it correctly for travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will need a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with a electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also require that you take down the battery-powered part of your chair and then place it in an enclosure that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours before the time of departure to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, including your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and help avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
If you are at the counter for tickets to airline or gate, make sure to communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Be sure to describe the kind of wheelchair you're using and any other accessories you may require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for stowage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, try to make a direct flight which will reduce the number of times your equipment will be transferred between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment, just like checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you extra to store your wheelchair or scooter, like they do with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.