Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are several things to consider when traveling with an electric chair. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how it should be handled.

Make sure you have these details ready prior to your trip to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that comply with the requirements for air travel.

What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and safely stowed on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or muddy roads. They could also be fitted with a unique drive system that allows 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. However, it is 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 the time of departure, which is especially important during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is not large enough and is first come first served. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair since federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with a safe design to prevent accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information about your power wheelchair or mobility 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 in a compact manner and comply with airline guidelines regarding battery size handling, stowage, and handling. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and give you the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety. You can then put it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed, and it is placed upright.

Depending on the airline you use or airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information including 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 that it is stolen or mishandled on your trip. You might want to consider purchasing 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 2 hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better particularly during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This lets you check in early and provides ample time for the airline representative to assist you with stowing your chair.

Take a photo of your wheelchair before you travel. This will serve as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline for any damages. You should consider bringing cushions to make the trip as comfortable as you can. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights lasting over an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin and will prevent soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can be daunting. Traveling with a power chair is possible with the proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.

Before you book your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to make your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it's advised to arrive at least an hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely for your trip.

Depending on the type of power chair you have It could be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the case, it is important to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist airline employees handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable items prior to you leave for the airport and also to ensure that all controls are in working order.

Once you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and then stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra for the stowing of assistive devices such as electric chairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, since it allows them to save money.

When the plane lands in the air, a representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to slide into the aisle of read more the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.

It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new places. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never be able to take advantage of the freedom that travel affords.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for people with mobility problems. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stress-inducing for you, but it's essential to follow the guidelines of your airline for transporting and stowing your chair on board the airplane. Contact the airline in advance to learn about their policies on power chairs and to ask any questions.

Most airlines allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight as provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines may require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will require you to have a medical note on file prior to being able to let you fly with your motorized chair. Some airlines will also require you to take apart the battery-powered part of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case.

When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. Bring any documentation you might require to the airport, such as your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.

When you arrive at the airline ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may need like seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be storing your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for stowage. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an express flight to reduce the amount of times your equipment is moved between locations.

When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment, just like checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment is damaged, you must take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.