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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric WheelchairWhen traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how it should be handled.
Be sure to have this information at hand before you head 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?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. They typically come with an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. They will also be able move on rough surfaces, such as deceleration stripes, gravel, roads that are muddy or brick. They can also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending which allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. It is however important to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet those needs. Some airlines require you to be at least one hour prior to the departure time you have scheduled which is essential in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and it's first come first served. Federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked by the wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request that you check in one hour before your flight so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to 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 are approved by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient method of travel. These electric chairs can be folded and are in line with airline standards for battery size and handling, as well as stowage. If you're planning to fly with your airline of preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the latest information on battery requirements. They can also provide you with instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety. You can then put it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is secured in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, address, your telephone number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event that it gets lost or is mishandled during your journey. You may also want to think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If you are able you can arrive earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair before you travel. This will serve as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing a seat cushion to make your flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Cushions for seats are essential for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be intimidating. However, with proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, flying with a power chair is feasible.
Speak to an airline representative before making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check into your seat, whether it is at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, it is recommended that you arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely and properly stored to be ready for your trip.
Based on the model of power chair you own It could be required to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions in order to aid the airline employees handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documentation 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 to make sure all of the controls are working properly.
When you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and then stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, as it helps them save money.
A representative from the airline will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which will fit on the aisle of the aircraft when the plane arrives. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your power wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as is possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new places. It is important to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for people who have mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to the guidelines of your airline for transporting and stowing your chair on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to inquire about their policy on power chairs and to inquire about any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it to travel. Certain airlines might require you to charge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a doctor's recommendation in order to let you fly with your power chair. Certain airlines may also require that you disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and place it in a case that is safe.
Make sure you arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, such as your owner manual and any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and read more help avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the airline's ticket counter or at the gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any other accessories you might require like seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for stowage. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an express flight to reduce the amount of times your equipment is moved between locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing a wheelchair or scooter. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.