Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things to consider when traveling with a powered chair. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you a lot of questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have all of this information in your possession prior to you travel to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for air travel and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. They will also be able maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes brick or muddy road. They could also have a patent-pending power drive system that enables them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to make sure they are aware of your needs and confirm that they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require you to be at least an hour before the departure time you have scheduled This is crucial during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and operated on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected in conjunction with the scooter or wheelchair because federal regulations require they are disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with an effective design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check in one hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get assembly/disassembly information and other helpful details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient way to travel. These chairs are designed to fold up and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These experts can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety. You can then put it into a carryon bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is safely stowed in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your phone number, and your wheelchair model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You might also think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that allow you to remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airline and airport personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at at two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure the proper storage of your equipment is done. Arriving earlier than this is even better if possible, especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and gives the airline representative plenty of time to help you stow your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This can be used as proof in the event that your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you the ability to seek compensation from the airline for damages. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make the trip as comfortable as possible. Cushions for seats are essential when you travel for more than an hour. They can reduce pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be intimidating. However, with the proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, traveling using your electric chair is attainable.
Contact an airline representative prior to making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check-in your chair whether at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely for your trip.
Depending on the type of power chair you have It may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it is important to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, including the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any accessories that are removable and make sure that all controls work before leaving for the airport.
Once you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the airplane. Airlines are not allowed to charge you extra off road electric wheelchair for stowing assistive devices such as power chairs. This is a wonderful benefit for people with disabilities, since it allows them to avoid costly expenses.
Once the plane is in the air at the airport, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your power wheelchair to one that is able to slide into the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible location to the aircraft door, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
A trip with an electric chair can be intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the thrill of exploring new places without difficulty. It is crucial to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to travel with the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be very stressful for those with mobility issues. If you're traveling with an electric or wheelchair could make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's important that you follow the airline's guidelines for the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact your airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policies and ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, so that you prepare it correctly for travel. Some airlines might require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will require you to have a doctor's recommendation in order to allow you to fly using your electric chair. Certain airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered component of your chair and put it in a protective case.
Get to the airport at least two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your flight. Bring any documentation you may need to the airport, like your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid. This will speed up the process of checking in and will prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
On arrival at the ticket counter or gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Discuss your wheelchair and any accessories you might require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for storage. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an direct flight to cut down on the number times your equipment is moved between locations.
Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of your wheelchair or scooter, just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, make sure you take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.