Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to take into consideration. The airport staff and at the airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions, battery type, and 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 regulations for air travel.

What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes, and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or muddy roads. They could also be fitted with a patented drive system which allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will assist you for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate for boarding. It is essential to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any specific needs and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate the requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your departure time which is crucial during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their cabins for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. The space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask that you check in an hour prior to your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information regarding your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient way to travel. These chairs are designed to fold and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist in preparing your itinerary and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair 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 stored upright.

Depending on the airline you use or airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information including your name, address, phone number, and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it is lost or damaged during your travels. You might also consider purchasing aftermarket slings, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which allow you to remain in your wheelchair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.

You should always arrive at at least two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure that proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. Being earlier than that is even better especially during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This allows you to arrive early and allows ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with 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 leverage in pursuing compensation for damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring cushions for your seats so that your journey is as relaxing as possible for you. A seat cushion is particularly important when you travel for longer than an hour, because it reduces pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be daunting. However, with the proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, air travel using your electric chair is possible.

Talk to an airline representative before making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you in the best direction, no matter if you prefer to get your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that it's safely stored for your trip.

Based discount electric wheelchairs on the model of power chair you have It could be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this instance it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the go to help airline personnel who will handle your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair, like the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable items prior to you go to the airport and also to ensure that all of the controls are in working order.

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 extra for the stowing of assistive devices like electric chairs. This is a great benefit for people with disabilities since it allows them to save money.

Once the plane is in the air at the airport, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to slide down the aircraft aisle. You will then be able to get off the plane and your power wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as you can in either the jet bridge or at the gate.

It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new destinations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that travel affords.

Check-Out

Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people who have mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, however it is important to follow the policies of your airline regarding bringing and stowing your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policy and to get any questions answered.

Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, so provided you prepare it for travel. Certain airlines might require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a doctor's recommendation on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your power chair. Some airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered part of your chair and place it into an enclosure that is protected.

Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your flight. It's important to bring any documentation, such as the owner's manual as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure to communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any accessories you might require for example, seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or whether it will be transported to the aircraft using an adapted cart. If you're transferring to the plane with your electric wheelchair, make sure to take a direct flight which will cut down on the amount of times your equipment is moved between various locations.

After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to take a photograph prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.