Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are several aspects to be considered. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have this information ready before you go to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with the air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and stowed safely on planes. The FAA can approve them for air travel and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. Additionally, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, brick or roads that are muddy. They could also be fitted with a unique drive system that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter to the gate for boarding. However, it is important to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your requirements and to confirm they can meet those needs. Some airlines require that you arrive one hour prior to your scheduled departure time This is crucial during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. This space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the scooter or wheelchair since federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask that you check in an hour before your flight, to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful information about your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed for secure and comfortable travel. These power chairs can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline standards for battery size handling, stowage, and handling. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These experts can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the most current details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety. You can then put it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed and that it is placed upright.
Based on your airline depending on your airline, you might be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information including your name address, address, phone number, and model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it is lost or damaged during your travels. You might also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will aid you in staying in your wheelchair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure that proper stowage of your equipment is completed. Being earlier than that is even better if possible particularly during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This lets you check in earlier and gives plenty of time for the airline representative 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 leverage to seek compensation for damages from the airline. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make your flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Seat cushions are especially important for flights that last more than an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, the process of boarding a plane can be an intimidating experience. Traveling with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, talk to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the best direction, whether you prefer to get your seat at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour before your flight is suggested. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Based on the model of power chair you have It could be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this case it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on the go to help airline personnel who will handle your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair, such as the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable accessories before you leave for the airport, and to make sure all controls are functioning properly.
Once you are at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra to store assistive devices, such as electric chairs. This is an excellent benefit for those with disabilities since they can save money.
When the plane lands, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to fit down the aircraft aisle. You can then disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or at the gate.
A trip with an electric chair can be daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to the guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new places with ease. The most important thing to remember is that if not comfortable in your chair, you will never enjoy the freedom that traveling provides.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers who have mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on board the airplane. Contact the airline prior to departure to learn about their policies regarding power chairs and to inquire about any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines require that you charge the batteries prior to taking off and others will need a doctor's letter to allow you to travel best electric wheelchairs with your power wheelchair. Some airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered part of your wheelchair, and then place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. It's important to bring any documentation, including your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
On arrival at the airline's ticket counter or gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Be sure to describe the kind of wheelchair you're using and any necessary accessories, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for storage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, try to take a direct flight which will cut down on the number of times that your equipment is moved between various locations.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair like they do with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to capture a photo prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.