Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things you should consider when traveling with powered chairs. Airport and airline staff will ask you a lot of questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have these details ready prior to your trip to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that comply with the regulations for air travel.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines can be safely transported and stored on planes. They usually have a non-spillable 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 brick or muddy road. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the boarding gate. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your requirements and to confirm they can meet your needs. Certain airlines require you to be at least an hour before the departure time you have scheduled This is crucial during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes for the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and is first come, first serve. Federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask to check-in one hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed for secure and comfortable travel. These chairs are designed to fold up and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and storage. If you are planning to fly with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in planning your travel plans 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. Some airlines require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and that it is stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it gets lost or mishandled during your trip. You may 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 during transfers 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. Arriving earlier than this is even better if possible, especially during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged on the flight. This will give you leverage in pursuing compensation for any damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring cushions for your seats, so that the flight is as comfortable as click here it can be for you. Cushions for seats are essential for get more info flights lasting over an hour. They will reduce pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be intimidating. However, with the proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, traveling with a power chair is feasible.
Before you book your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check-in your chair regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored for your trip.
Depending on the type of chair you own It may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions on hand to help the staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, including the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable accessories before you go to the airport and to ensure all of the controls are working properly.
Once you are at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the plane. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra to store assistive devices, like electric chairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, as it helps them save money.
An airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which will fit on the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. You can then disembark and your wheelchair is 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 intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the thrill of exploring new places easily. It is important to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for passengers who suffer from mobility issues. If you're using a wheelchair or a scooter could make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it is crucial to adhere to the airline's guidelines for check here the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to learn about their policies on power chairs and to inquire about any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to take a motorized read more wheelchair with you on your flight, so you've prepared it for travel. Some airlines may require you to charge the batteries before boarding, and some will need to have a doctor's recommendation on file prior to being able to let you fly with your electric chair. Certain airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered component of your wheelchair and place it in a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, like your owner manual and any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
Upon arriving at the counter for tickets or at the gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Explain the kind of wheelchair you're using and any accessories you require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for storage. If you're transferring to the plane with your electric wheelchair, more info make sure to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the amount of times your equipment will be moved between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment is damaged, you must take a photograph before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.