Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions regarding the dimensions of your chair, battery type and how to handle it.
Be sure to have all this information in your possession prior to you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with the regulations for air travel.
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. The FAA can approve them for use on flights, and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. They will also be able navigate on rough surfaces such as deceleration stripes, gravel, brick or muddy road. They may also have a patent-pending power drive system that allows them to move in tight spaces or lifts.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. It is important to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they can meet them. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure This is particularly important during busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin that can be used for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. The space is limited and it's first come first served. The federal regulations also demand that all batteries added to the system be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also require to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight to ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. In addition, they ask to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information regarding your mobility or power chair. scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed for safe and convenient travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your travel itinerary and provide you with the most current details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety. You can then put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in a upright position.
Based on your airline depending on your airline, you might be required to label your wheelchair with the following information such as your name address, address, phone number and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is stolen or mishandled on your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will allow you to remain in your chair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at at two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure proper stowage of your equipment is completed. If you are able be there at least two hours earlier than your departure time. This is especially crucial during busy read more holiday times or rush hour. This lets you check-in early and gives the airline representative ample time to help you stow your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing 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 it can be for you. Seat cushions are especially important for flights that last more than an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, boarding a plane can be an intimidating experience. Traveling with a power chair is feasible with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best way to check-in your chair regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely and properly stored for your trip.
Depending on the type of chair you own It may be required to disassemble it prior to transport. In this instance it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the go to help airline personnel handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, like the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable items prior to you travel to the airport, and to make sure all the controls are working properly.
When you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the airplane. The airlines are not allowed to charging you a fee to stow assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for passengers who have disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.
When the plane lands in the air, a representative from the airline will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit in the aisle of the aircraft. After disembarking, your wheelchair is returned website to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft, either at read more the jetbridge or at the gate.
Traveling with an electric chair can be daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to the guidelines, you can be able to experience the joy of exploring new locations with ease. It is crucial to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to travel with the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for those with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, however it is important to follow the guidelines of your airline for transporting and stowing your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline before your trip 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 properly to travel. Certain airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your power wheelchair. Some airlines will also require you to take apart the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it inside a protective case.
Once you're at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours before your departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's important to bring any documentation, such as 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.
When you reach the ticket counter of your airline or at the gate, be sure to explain your mobility needs clearly. Explain the kind of wheelchair you're using and any other accessories you may require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for stowage. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the number of times that your equipment is moved between various locations.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment, just like checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your wheelchair or scooter, the same way they would with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, make sure you take a picture of it prior to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.