Your Family Will Thank You For Having This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric WheelchairIf you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are several things to consider. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how to handle it.
Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with the air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and stowed safely on planes. The FAA will approve them for air travel and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. They can also maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes bricks or muddy roads. They may also have an exclusive power drive system that allows them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline in advance to ensure they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Some airlines require you to be at least an hour before your departure time which is essential during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. The space is not large enough and it's first come, first served. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the scooter or wheelchair, as federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a safe design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also request that you check in one hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful details about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure secure and comfortable travel. These electric chairs can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline standards for battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and then place it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in a straight position.
Depending on the airline you fly with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your telephone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will allow you to remain in your seat during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
You should arrive at at two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is done. Arriving earlier than this is even better, especially during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This allows you to arrive early and allows plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you in stowing your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair before you travel. This serves as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in pursuing compensation for damages from the airline. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make the trip as comfortable as possible. The use of a cushion for your seat is especially important for flights that will last over an hour, as it will reduce pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
For those traveling using an approved airline electric wheelchair, the process of boarding a plane can be a daunting prospect. Traveling with a power chair is achievable with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best way to check-in your chair regardless of whether it's at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and ensure it is safely stored for your journey.
Depending on the type of chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. In this instance, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the table to aid airline personnel who will handle your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance documentation 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 also to ensure that all the controls are functioning properly.
When you arrive at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra fees for stowing assistive devices such as power chairs. This is a wonderful 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 powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit in the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the shortest possible location to the aircraft door or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new destinations. The most important thing to remember is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never enjoy the freedom that traveling affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for people with mobility problems. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on board the airplane. Contact the airline ahead of time to learn about their policies regarding power chairs and to ask any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your trip as provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines require you to discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with a powered wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered part of your chair, and place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Once you're at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours before your departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. Bring any documentation you may need to the airport, like your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in and prevent confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
Upon arriving at the ticket counter or gate, make sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any accessories you may need for example, seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be placing your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for storage. If you're going chairs electric to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, try to book a direct flight, which will minimize the number of times that your equipment will be moved between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment, just like checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photograph of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.