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 the airline will inquire about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have these details ready before you go to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that are compliant with 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 will typically have a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stowed underneath the plane as checked baggage. They can also navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes, bricks or muddy roads. They could also be equipped with an exclusive power drive system that allows them to move 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. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to make sure they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet your needs. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your scheduled departure This is particularly important during busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and operated on a first-come, first-serve basis. The federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require that you check in an hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable way to travel. They can be folded and comply with airline guidelines regarding battery size handling, stowage, and handling. If you are planning to travel with the airline of your choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can assist you in planning your travel 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. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals aren't exposed, and that it is safely stored upright.
Depending on your 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 airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it should become lost or damaged during your trip. You might also consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which aid you in staying in your wheelchair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If possible be there earlier than two hours before your departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline in case of damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make the trip as comfortable as you can. Seat cushions are especially important when you travel for more than an hour. They will reduce the pressure on your skin preventing soreness.
Check-In
The read more process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be intimidating. However, with proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, traveling using your electric chair is attainable.
Before booking your flight, you should speak with 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 small electric wheelchair whether it's at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is suggested. This gives the airline ample time to inspect your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have It may be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to help the staff of the airline handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable items prior to you leave for the airport and also to ensure that all controls are functioning properly.
When you arrive at the airport your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and then stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra to store assistive devices, such as electric chairs. This is a great benefit for passengers with disabilities since it helps them save money.
An airline employee will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that will fit on the aircraft aisle when power chairs for sale the plane lands. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your wheelchair will website be returned to you closest to the plane's door as you can, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
A trip with an electric wheelchair may seem intimidating, but with proper 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 uncomfortable in your chair, you'll not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that traveling offers.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people who have mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the experience less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding bringing and stowing your chair on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to find out their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines will let you bring an electric chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it properly to travel. Some airlines may require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will require you to have a medical note in order to let you fly with your motorized chair. Some airlines may also require that you take down the battery-powered portion of your chair, and place it into a protective case.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your departure. Bring any documentation you might need to the airport, like your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will speed click here up check-in and prevent confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
When you reach the airline ticket counter or gate, make sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Discuss your wheelchair and any accessories you may require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage or if it will be transferred to the aircraft with an appropriate cart. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an direct flight to cut down on the number times your equipment is moved between different locations.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra to store your scooter or wheelchair, the same way they would with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a photograph before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.