Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. The airport staff and at the airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to use it.
Make sure you have all of this information in your possession prior to you leave for the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and stowed securely on airplanes. They will typically have an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be tucked under the plane as checked luggage. They'll also be able to move on rough surfaces like deceleration stripes, gravel, brick or muddy road. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system which allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the gates for boarding. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your needs and confirm that they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require you to be at least one hour prior to your departure time This is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their cabins for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited and on an initial-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 are disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with a secure design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour before your flight so 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 regarding your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient method of travel. These power chairs can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline standards for battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and place it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is securely tucked away in an upright position.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, address, your number, and your wheelchair 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 want to buy aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will help you remain in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If you can be there at least two hours earlier than the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the airline representative ample time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to traveling. 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 for damages. You should consider bringing a seat cushion to make the flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Using a seat cushion is essential for flights that will last more than an hour, since it will reduce pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be daunting. Traveling with a power chair is possible with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Speak to an airline representative prior to booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to check-in your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it's recommended that you arrive at least an hour before your flight. lightweight travel electric wheelchair gives the airline ample time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it will be safely towed for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to transportation. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions on hand to help the airline employees handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, like the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any accessories that can be removed prior to when you travel to the airport, and to make sure all the controls are functioning properly.
Once you arrive at an airport, your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, because it can help them avoid costly expenses.
After the plane has landed in the air, a representative from the airline will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit into the aisle of the aircraft. After disembarking, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.
Traveling with an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with the right planning and adherence to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new places easily. It is crucial to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair, you won't be able to travel with the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people with mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, but it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair on the airplane. Contact the airline ahead of time to inquire about their policy on power chairs, and to inquire about any questions.
Most airlines allow passengers to bring a motorized wheelchair with you 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 note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your electric chair. Some airlines will also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it inside a protective case.
Once you're at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, such as 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 check-in process and make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets or gate, make sure to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may need for example, seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be examining your wheelchair for stowage, or whether it will be transported to the aircraft using an appropriate cart. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book a direct flight to minimize the number of times your device is moved between different locations.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair like they do with your luggage. Take a photograph of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.