Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are a few aspects to be considered. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you many questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.

Make sure you have this information in your possession prior to you head to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that comply with the regulations for air travel.

What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. They can also maneuver on rough surfaces such as deceleration stripes, gravel, brick or muddy road. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.

The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the gates for boarding. However, it is essential to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure, which is especially important 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 an initial-come first-serve basis. The federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are designed to stop accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask to check-in at least an hour before your flight so that they can ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. In addition, they ask to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful information regarding your mobility or power chair. scooter.

Safety

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure secure and comfortable travel. They can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size and handling, as well as stowage. 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 information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety purposes and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is secured in a straight position.

Based on your airline depending on your airline, you might be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information including your name address, number, and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it gets lost or is mishandled on your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will help you remain in your chair while you travel with airport personnel and airline personnel.

It is recommended to arrive at at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that the proper stowage of electric bariatric wheelchair your equipment is done. If you are able, arrive at least two hours earlier than your departure time. This is particularly crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.

Take a photo of your wheelchair before you travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you to seek compensation for damages from the airline. You should also think about bringing cushions for your seats to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Using a seat cushion is especially important when you travel for over an hour, as this will minimize the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be a daunting task. However, with proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, flying using your electric chair is feasible.

Before booking your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check in your chair, whether it is at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour prior to your flight is recommended. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and ensure it will be stowed safely to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the type of power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. In this case it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly hand to assist the airline personnel electric wheelchair chair who will handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable items prior to 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 then stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge you extra for the stowing of assistive devices such as power chairs. This is a huge benefit for passengers with disabilities as it allows them to avoid unnecessary costs.

A representative from the airline will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can fit down the aisle of the aircraft when the plane arrives. After disembarking, your wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible location to the aircraft door or at the jetbridge or at 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. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're uncomfortable in your chair, you'll never enjoy the freedom that traveling affords.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for people with mobility problems. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, however it is important to follow the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair 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 policy and get any more info questions answered.

Most airlines will allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines may require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will require you to have a doctor's note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly using your motorized chair. Some airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered part of your wheelchair and place it in a case that is protected.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or gate, be sure to be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any necessary accessories like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft using an adapted cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to make a direct flight which will reduce the number of times that your equipment will be transferred between various locations.

Once your wheelchair is in the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your scooter or check here wheelchair just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, you click here must capture a photo before you leave the airport and immediately inform the airline.