Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are many things to consider when traveling with an electric chair. Airport and airline staff will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how to handle it.

Be sure to have all this information at hand before you leave for the airport. Make sure 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. The FAA can approve them for air travel and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. They will also be able navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes, brick or muddy road. They could also be fitted with a patented drive system that allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate for boarding. However, it is important to contact them prior to time to make sure they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet those requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour ahead of your scheduled departure This is particularly important in busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility wheelchair electric (click the following page) scooter. This space is limited and is first come first served. The federal regulations also demand that all batteries added to the system be checked with the powerchair wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when taking an indoor electric wheelchair scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require that you check in one hour before your flight so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information regarding your mobility chair or power scooter.

Safety

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are made for safe and convenient travel. These power chairs are made to fold and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and stowage. If you're planning to travel with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in planning your travel itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and it is placed upright.

Depending on your airline depending on your airline, you might be required to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name address, address, phone number, and model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your trip. You may also want to think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which allow you to remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airline and airport personnel.

You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If possible you can arrive earlier than two hours before your departure time. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to arrive early and allows plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you in stowing your chair.

Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to 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 for damages. You should also think about bringing an extra cushion for your seat so that your journey is as comfortable as possible for you. Cushions for seats are essential for flights that last more than an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness.

Check-In

For those traveling using an approved airline electric wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane could be an intimidating experience. But, with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, traveling with a power chair is feasible.

Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can help you navigate in the right direction, regardless of whether you prefer to get your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In any case, it is recommended that you arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and ensure it will be stowed safely to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the model of your power chair It could be necessary for you to disassemble the chair prior to it is transported. In this case it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to assist the airline employees who handle your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, including the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any removable accessories and ensure that all controls are functioning before you leave for the airport.

When you arrive at an airport, your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge you extra to store assistive devices, like electric chairs. This is a huge benefit for people with disabilities as it helps them save money.

A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that will fit on the aircraft aisle when the plane arrives. You can then disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the shortest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or at the gate.

The idea of using an electric chair can be daunting, but with careful planning and adherence to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new locations without difficulty. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're uncomfortable in your chair, you'll not be able to fully take advantage of the freedom that travel offers.

Check-Out

Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people who suffer from mobility issues. If you're traveling with mobility scooters or wheelchairs can make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it is crucial to adhere to the airline's guidelines for the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline before your trip to inquire about their policies and to get any questions answered.

Most airlines allow you to bring an electric wheelchair on your flight, so provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines might require you to charge the batteries before boarding, and some will need to have a doctor's recommendation in order to allow you to fly using your motorized chair. Certain airlines may also require that you disassemble the battery-powered part of your chair and place it in an enclosure that is protected.

Once you're at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours before your departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's important to bring any documentation, like the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid to the airport. This will help speed up the process of checking in and will help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.

When you arrive at the airline ticket counter or gate, make sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Discuss your wheelchair and any accessories you might require for example, seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be examining your wheelchair for stowage or if it will be transferred to the aircraft using a specialized cart. If you're taking a transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, make sure to make a direct flight which will minimize the number of times that your equipment will be moved between locations.

When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment, just like checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of your scooter or lightweight wheelchair electric, just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must capture a photo before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.