Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are several aspects to be considered. The airport staff and at the airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to use it.
Be sure to have all this information at hand before you travel to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that meet air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are able to be safely transported and stored on planes. They will typically have an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stored under the plane as checked luggage. They will also be able navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes bricks or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the boarding gates. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and to confirm they can meet your needs. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before the departure time you have scheduled This is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. The space is limited and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request that you check in one hour before your flight, to ensure proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient way to travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These experts can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety. You can then put it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in a straight position.
Depending on the airline you fly 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 on your trip. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your chair during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours before your departure time. This is particularly crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the airline representative plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you travel to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during your flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline in case of damages. You should consider bringing a seat cushion to make the flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Using a seat cushion is especially important when you travel for longer than an hour, because it will reduce the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be a daunting task. But, with the right preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, air travel with your power chair is attainable.
Contact an airline representative before making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you in the best direction, no matter if you prefer to make your seat at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to check small power chair your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely for your journey.
Depending on the type of power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this situation it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly hand to assist the airline employees who handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any accessories that can be removed prior to when 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. The airlines are prohibited from charging you a fee to stow assistive devices like power wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for people who have disabilities, as it helps them avoid unnecessary costs.
When the plane lands in the air, a representative from the airline will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to fit in the aisle of the aircraft. You can then disembark and your wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or the gate.
It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with right planning and following the rules you will be able to enjoy exploring new locations. It is essential to keep in mind that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to travel with the freedom it provides.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers who suffer from mobility issues. If you have a wheelchair or a scooter, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is essential to follow the airline's policies regarding 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 travels to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines will allow you to take an electric wheelchair on your flight as you've prepared it for travel. Certain airlines may require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some may require you to have a doctor's recommendation on file prior to being able to let you fly with your electric chair. Some airlines may also demand that you disassemble the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair, and then place it in a protective case.
Once you're at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, like your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid to the airport. This will make it easier for the process of checking in and will prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
When you reach the counter for tickets to airline or gate, make sure to explain your mobility needs clearly. Explain your wheelchair and any accessories you may need like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for storage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to take a direct flight which will minimize the number of times that your equipment will be moved between locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo area along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.