A Guide To Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair From Beginning To End

Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

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

Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with the air travel regulations.

What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stored on planes. They typically come with an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stored under the plane as checked luggage. They can also move on rough surfaces, such as deceleration stripes, gravel, roads that are muddy or brick. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending which allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will assist you with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate to board. It is important to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure that they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they will be able to accommodate them. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your scheduled departure time which is essential in busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes for the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and on an initial-come first-serve basis. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask to check-in one hour prior to your flight time to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information regarding your mobility chair or power scooter.

Safety

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure safe and convenient travel. These chairs are designed to fold up and meet 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. They can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the most current details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in a straight position.

Depending on the airline you use or airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following information including your name address, address, phone number, and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will allow you to remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airline and airport personnel.

Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. Being earlier than that is even better especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This lets you check in early and provides ample time for the airline representative to assist you with stowing your chair.

Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This can be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing a seat cushion to make the flight as comfortable as possible. Using a seat cushion is especially important for flights that will last longer than an hour, because it will reduce the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.

Check-In

If you are traveling using an approved airline electric wheelchair, getting on a plane could be an intimidating experience. Air travel with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.

Speak to 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 into your seat whether at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it's recommended that you arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it's check here safely stowed for your journey.

Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to transportation. In this case, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline personnel who will handle your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, including the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable items prior to you travel to the airport and to ensure all the controls are functioning properly.

Once you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are prohibited from charging you a fee to stow assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is a wonderful benefit for people with disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.

Once the plane is in the air, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to fit in the aisle of the aircraft. After disembarking, your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.

It may seem daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with right planning and following guidelines you can have fun exploring new locations. It is crucial to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to travel with the freedom it provides.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for people who have mobility issues. If you have an electric or wheelchair could make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it is crucial to adhere to the airline's guidelines for bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered.

Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair for your flight, so long as you prepare it properly to travel. Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will need a doctor's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your power wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered part of your wheelchair, and place it in a protective case.

Once you're at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you may need to the airport, including your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid. This will speed up check-in process and help avoid confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

On arrival at the counter for tickets or at the gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Explain your wheelchair and any other accessories you might require for example, sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be storing your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for storage. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book a direct flight to minimize the number times your equipment is moved between places.

When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment, just like checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photograph of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.