Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are several aspects to be considered. Airport and airline staff will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.

Make sure you have all this information in your possession prior to you leave for the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that comply with the air travel regulations.

What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and stowed safely on planes. The FAA will approve them for air travel and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. They can also navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes brick or muddy road. They may also be equipped with a patented drive system which allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.

The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. However, it is important to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before 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 operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to prevent accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also request that you check in an hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so airport personnel can gather assembly/disassembly information and other helpful details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold up and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and storage. 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 up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide you with instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair for safety purposes and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is safely stowed in an upright position.

Depending on the airline you use or airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name address, number, and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment in case it gets lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to assist you in staying in your chair during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.

You should always arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is completed. If you can, arrive earlier than two hours prior to the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during power chairs for disabled busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you check-in early and gives the airline representative plenty of time to help you stow your chair.

Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to travel. This will serve as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline for damages. You should also consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat so that your journey is as comfortable as possible for you. A seat cushion is particularly important for flights that will last longer read more than an hour, because it reduces the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can be a daunting task. But, with the right preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, flying with a power chair is feasible.

Speak to 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, regardless of whether you prefer to make your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that it's safely stowed for your trip.

Depending on your power chair It may be necessary to disassemble it prior to transportation. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions on hand get more info to help the airline employees handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, like the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable items prior to you travel to the power chairs for disabled airport and to ensure all controls are in working order.

Once you are at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are not allowed to charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, since it allows them to avoid unnecessary expenses.

When the plane lands at the airport, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle. After disembarking, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or the gate.

It may seem daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with proper planning and following the guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new locations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never take advantage of the freedom that travel offers.

Check-Out

Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be website very stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. If you're using an electric or wheelchair could make your trip more enjoyable. However, it is important that you follow the airline's policies regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. Contact the airline ahead of time to inquire about their policy on power chairs, and to inquire about any questions.

Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, as that you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a doctor's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your power wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in a case that is protected.

Once you're at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. Bring any documentation you might require to the airport, including your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.

When you arrive at the airline ticket counter or gate, make sure to communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Explain your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a specific cart or examining it for stowage. If you're transferring to the plane with your electric wheelchair, you should try to make a direct flight which will minimize the number of times your equipment is moved between various locations.

After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing your wheelchair or scooter, like they do with your luggage. Take a photo of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.