Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are many aspects to be considered. The staff at the airport and airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to use it.
Be sure to have all of these details in hand prior to you travel to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stored 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 will also be able navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes bricks or muddy roads. They may also be equipped with a unique drive system that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the boarding gate. It is essential to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure that they are aware of any specific needs and confirm that they can meet the requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before the time of departure This is particularly important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. The federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to taking electric wheelchairs or scooters on their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to your flight time so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so airport personnel can gather information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other details about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure secure and comfortable travel. These electric chairs can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can assist you in planning your trip and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide you with instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety purposes and place it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals aren't exposed, and that it is safely stored upright.
Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your telephone number, and the wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it gets lost or damaged during your travels. You may also think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that aid you in staying in your wheelchair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. If you can be there earlier than two hours prior to your departure time. This is particularly crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check in earlier and gives ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your device is damaged during your flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for any damages from the airline. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make the flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Using a seat cushion is essential when you travel for longer than an hour, because it click here reduces the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can be daunting. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is check here possible with the right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Contact an airline representative prior to booking your flight 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 counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and ensure it will be safely towed for your trip.
Depending on the model of your power chair It may be necessary for you to disassemble the chair prior to transportation. In this case it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline employees who handle your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documents to get more info your chair, such as the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable items prior to you leave for the airport and to ensure all the controls are functioning properly.
When you arrive at an airport, your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra fees to store assistive devices, like power chairs. This is a great benefit for those with disabilities since they can avoid unnecessary costs.
Once the plane is in the air, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to slide into the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you will be able to board the plane, and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as you can, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with right planning and following the rules you can have fun exploring new places. It is crucial to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for people who have mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow your airline's policies for bringing and stowing your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it correctly to travel. Certain airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with a powered wheelchair. Some airlines will also require you to remove the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair and place it in a case light electric wheelchairs that is protected.
Make sure you 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. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, including your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the check-in and prevent confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
If you are at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure to be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Explain your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be storing your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining it for storage. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an express flight to reduce the number times your equipment is moved between places.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo area along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits electric automatic wheelchair the airlines from charging extra fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.