10 Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Tricks All Experts Recommend
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric WheelchairThere are a few things to consider when traveling with an electric chair. 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.
Be sure to have all this information at hand before you leave for the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "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 securely on airplanes. The FAA will allow them to be used for use on flights, and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or muddy roads. They could also be fitted with a patented drive system that permits them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the boarding gates. It is essential to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure that they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate these requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive one hour prior to the departure time you have scheduled which is essential in 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 not large enough and is first come, first served. The federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected unless they are specifically designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask that you check in an hour prior to your flight so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information about your mobility or power chair. scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer the most secure and comfortable way to travel. These electric chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines for battery size and handling, as well as stowage. 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 in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety. You can then put it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed, and that it is stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment in case it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may want to buy aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will help you remain in your seat during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that proper stowage of your equipment is done. Being earlier than that is even better if possible especially during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This serves as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in obtaining compensation for damages from the airline. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make the flight as comfortable as you can. Seat cushions are particularly important when you travel for more than an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin preventing soreness.
Check-In
For those traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is a daunting prospect. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is feasible with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Before booking your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best way to check in your chair whether at the ticket counter or the gate. In either case, it's advised to arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely for your journey.
Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary for you to disassemble the chair prior to transport. In this situation it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the table to aid airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. You should also take off any removable items and make sure that all controls are functioning 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 plane. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs. This is a huge 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 able to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit into the aisle of the aircraft. After disembarking, electric lightweight wheelchairs your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with proper planning and following the guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new destinations. It is essential to keep in mind that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it provides.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for those who have mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, but it is important to follow your airline's policies for the transportation and storage of your chair on the airplane. Contact the airline in advance to inquire about their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines allow passengers to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight as provided it's prepared for travel. Certain airlines might require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some may require you to have a medical note in order to allow you to fly with your power chair. Some airlines may also demand that you remove the battery-powered portion of your chair, and place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Get to the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your departure. It's recommended to bring any documentation, such as your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and can prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
On arrival at the ticket counter or gate, make sure to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Explain your wheelchair and any accessories you may require like seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or whether it will be transported to the aircraft using a specialized cart. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an direct flight to cut down on the number of times your device is moved between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.