Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to consider. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you many questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have all these details in hand prior to you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and safely stowed on airplanes. The FAA will approve them for travel on planes and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to move on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes roads that are muddy or brick. They can also be equipped with a unique drive system that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the gates for boarding. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to make sure they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those needs. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your scheduled departure time which is essential during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and operated on the basis of first-come-first-serve. The federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before taking an electric wheelchair or scooter aboard their flights. They also ask to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure safe and convenient travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the latest information on battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed, and that it is safely stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your telephone number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is stolen or mishandled during your journey. You may want to buy aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your chair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If possible you can arrive earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you check in early and provides ample time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to travel. This can be used as proof in the event that here your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you the leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for any damages. You should consider bringing cushions to make the flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Seat cushions are especially important for flights lasting over an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be a daunting task. Traveling with a power chair is achievable 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'll be able to help you navigate in the right direction, regardless of whether you prefer to get your seat at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is suggested. This gives the airline ample time to examine your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored for your journey.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to transport. In this case it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly hand to assist the airline personnel who will handle your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable items prior to you travel to the airport and also to ensure that all the controls are functioning properly.
When you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the plane. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional fee to stow assistive devices like power wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people who have disabilities, as they can avoid costly expenses.
An airline employee website will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can be able to fit into the aircraft aisle when the plane arrives. You will then be able to board the plane, and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as you can in either the jet bridge or at the gate.
A trip with an electric chair electric wheelchair heavy duty can be daunting, but with careful planning and adherence to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new places without difficulty. The most important thing to remember is that if you're not comfortable in your chair, you'll never be able to enjoy the freedom that travel provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be extremely stressful for people with mobility issues. If you're traveling with an electric or wheelchair could make your trip more enjoyable. However, it is essential to follow the airline's guidelines regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to ask about their policy best power chair and ask any questions.
Many airlines will allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your trip as long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a physician's letter before they will allow you to fly with your powered wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered part of your chair and then place it in a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours before the time of departure to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, like the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will make it easier for the check-in process and can make sure that there is no confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
Upon arriving at the counter for tickets or read more gate, make sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Explain the kind of wheelchair you're using and any accessories you require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be storing your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for stowage. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book a direct flight to minimize the number times your equipment is moved between locations.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photo of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.