Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are several things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you a lot of questions regarding the dimensions of your chair, battery type and how it should be handled.

Make sure you have all these details in hand prior to 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?

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and stowed safely on planes. The FAA will approve them for air travel, and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes, brick or muddy road. They may also have a patent-pending small power chair drive system that enables them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate for boarding. It is essential to contact the airline in advance to make sure they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet them. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time, which is important during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their cabins for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. This space is limited and it's first come first served. Federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request that you check in one hour before your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable method of travel. They can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you are planning to travel with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist in preparing your itinerary and give you the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety. You can then put it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed, and it is stowed upright.

Based on your airline or airline, you may be required to label your powerchair wheelchair with the following details such as your name address, address, phone number and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will assist you in staying in your chair while you travel with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.

You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. Arriving earlier than this is even better, especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and allows the airline representative ample time to assist you in stowing your chair.

Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for damages from the airline. Consider bringing along cushions to make the trip as comfortable as you possibly can. A seat cushion is essential when you travel for over an hour, as it will reduce pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.

Check-In

The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can be intimidating. But, with the right preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, air travel with your power chair amazon (Read the Full Report) chair is possible.

Talk to an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check into your seat whether at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is recommended. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored for your trip.

Depending on the model of your power chairs for sale chair, it may be necessary to disassemble it prior to transport. In this case, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the go to help airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety or 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 accessories before you go to the airport and also to ensure that 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. The airlines aren't allowed to charging an additional cost to store assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is a great feature for those with disabilities because it can help them avoid costly expenses.

An airline employee can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit down the aisle of the aircraft once the plane lands. After disembarking, your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest 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 the right planning and following guidelines you can have fun exploring new destinations. It is important to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair, you won't be able to travel with the freedom it provides.

Check-Out

Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for people with mobility issues. If you're using mobility scooters or wheelchairs could make your trip more enjoyable. However, it is essential to follow the airline's guidelines for the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. Contact the airline ahead of time to inquire about their policy on power chairs, and to ask any questions.

Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as that you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines may require you to recharge 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 power chair. Some airlines will also require you to remove the battery-powered part of your chair and then place it inside a protective case.

Make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, such as your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and can help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.

On arrival at the airline's ticket counter or gate, make sure to clearly communicate your mobility requirements. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any accessories you might require for example, seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be storing your wheelchair in a separate cart or checking it for stowage. If you're transferring to the plane using your electric wheelchair to buy wheelchair, you should try to take a direct flight which will reduce the amount of times your equipment will be transferred between locations.

When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair the same way they would with your luggage. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.