Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to consider. Airport and airline staff will ask you numerous questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have all these details in hand prior to you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for use on flights and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They may also have a patent-pending power drive system that enables them to maneuver in tight spaces or lifts.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the gates for boarding. It is crucial to contact the airline in advance to make sure they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to your scheduled departure time, which is important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected as part of the wheelchair or scooter, as federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to prevent 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 prior to 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 information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information regarding your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are made for secure and comfortable travel. These power chairs are made to fold and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist in planning your itinerary and give you the most current information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is securely tucked away in an upright position.
Depending on the airline you travel with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your telephone number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment in case it is lost or damaged during your travels. You might also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will help you remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that the proper storage of your equipment is accomplished. If possible, arrive earlier than two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make the flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Using a seat cushion is essential when you travel for more than an hour, since this will minimize pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
For those traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, the process of boarding a plane can be an overwhelming experience. But, with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, flying with your power chair is feasible.
Before booking your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to learn more about their policies and here procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check into your seat whether at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, it is recommended to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored for your journey.
Based on get more info the power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair prior to transport. If this is the case, it's important to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to help the airline employees handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety and website maintenance documentation to your chair, like the owner's manual or warranty information. You should also remove any removable accessories and ensure that all controls are functioning before leaving for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport, your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra for the stowing of assistive devices such as electric chairs. This is a great benefit for people with disabilities as it helps them avoid costly expenses.
Once the plane is in the air in the air, a representative from the airline will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle. You can then disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible location to the door of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or at the gate.
It check here might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with right planning and following the rules you can have fun exploring new places. It is essential to keep in mind that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, but it is important to follow the guidelines of your airline for the transportation and storage of your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it properly to travel. Some airlines might require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a doctor's note on file before they will let you fly with your electric chair. Some airlines may also require that you disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Once you're at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours prior to the website time of departure to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, like 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 can make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the airline's ticket counter or gate, make certain to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Discuss your wheelchair and any other accessories you may require for example, seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft using a specialized cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book an direct flight to cut down on the number times your equipment is moved between locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to capture a photo before leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.