Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are several aspects to be considered. 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.

Make sure you have these details ready prior to your trip to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with air travel regulations.

What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?

Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for air travel, and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. Additionally they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or muddy roads. They may also be equipped with a patented drive system which allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will provide assistance with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the boarding gate. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet your needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of the time of departure This is particularly important during busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes for the stowage of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and operates on the basis of first-come-first-serve. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to prevent accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also request to check-in one hour prior to your flight to ensure that you are properly handling 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 information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These chairs are designed to fold up and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. If you are planning to fly with your airline of choice, contact 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 latest details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your chair for safety purposes and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is securely tucked away in a upright position.

Based on your airline depending on your airline, you might be required to label your wheelchair with the following details such as your name address, address, phone number and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it is stolen or mishandled on your trip. You might also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that aid you in staying in your wheelchair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.

Make sure you arrive at the airport website two hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. Being earlier than that is even better, especially during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair.

Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to travel. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for any damages. It is also advisable to bring an extra cushion for your seat, so that the flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. A seat cushion is particularly important for flights that will last longer than an hour, because it reduces pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.

Check-In

If you are traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane could be a daunting prospect. Air travel with a power chair is achievable with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.

Contact an airline representative before making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check into your seat regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it's recommended to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that it's safely and properly stored to be ready for your trip.

Based on the power chair you have It may be necessary to disassemble it before transportation. If this is the case, it's important to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline employees handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. You should also remove any accessories that are removable and check whether all controls function before you depart for the airport.

Once you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the airplane. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra for stowing assistive devices like power chairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, as it helps them save money.

After the plane has landed in the air, a representative from the airline will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to slide down the aircraft aisle. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as you can or at the jet bridge or at the gate.

A trip with an electric chair can be daunting, but with the right planning and adherence to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new destinations easily. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're not comfortable in your chair, you will never enjoy read more the freedom that traveling offers.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be crowded and get more info this can be stressful for those who have mobility problems. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stress-inducing for you, but it's essential to follow the guidelines of your airline for the transportation and storage of your chair on board the airplane. Contact the airline prior to departure to inquire about their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions.

Many airlines will allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it properly to travel. Certain airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to taking off and others will need a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with your electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also require that you take down the battery-powered part of your chair and place it in a case that is safe.

When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. Bring any documentation you might need to the airport, such as your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will speed up check-in and prevent confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

On arrival at the airline's ticket counter or gate, make sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Explain your wheelchair and any accessories you might require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or examining it for storage. 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.

After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra to store your wheelchair or scooter, like they do with your luggage. Take a photograph of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.