Why Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Will Be Your Next Big Obsession?
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric WheelchairWhen 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, battery type, and how to handle it.
Make sure you have all this information in your possession prior to you head to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They could also be fitted with a patented drive system that allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to your departure time This is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited and is first come first served. Federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be checked by the wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request to check-in one hour before your flight so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe way to travel. These power chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you plan to travel with your airline of preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is secured in an upright position.
Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your telephone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will allow you to remain in your chair while you travel with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better if possible particularly during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This allows you to check in earlier and gives plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair before you travel. This can be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline in case of damages. 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 longer than an hour, because it will reduce pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can be intimidating. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is feasible with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Speak to an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check in your chair whether at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This gives the airline ample time to examine your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored for your trip.
Depending on the kind of power chair you own It could be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this instance it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the table to aid airline employees who handle your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair, including the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any removable items and make sure that all controls are functioning before you leave for the airport.
Once you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and then stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging you a cost to store assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for passengers with disabilities, as it helps them save money.
An airline employee can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle when the plane arrives. You will then be able to board the plane, and your wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as is possible or at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with right planning and following the rules, you can enjoy exploring new destinations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be very stressful for those with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow the guidelines of your airline for bringing and stowing your chair on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to find out their policy on power chairs, and to inquire about any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines may require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a doctor's note in order to allow you to fly with your electric chair. Some airlines will also require you to remove the battery-powered part of your wheelchair and place it in a case that is protected.
Once you're at the airport, make 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 the flight. Bring any documentation you might require to the airport, such as your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
When you reach the counter for tickets to airline or gate, make sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Explain the kind of wheelchair you're using and any necessary accessories, such as cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask electric powered wheelchairs the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for stowage. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book a direct flight to minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between different locations.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment, just like checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must take a picture of it before you leave the airport and immediately inform the airline.