Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several aspects to take into consideration when traveling with a powered chair. The staff at the airport and at the airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions, battery type, and how to handle it.
Make sure you have these details ready prior to your trip 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 airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA can approve them for travel on planes, and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They can also be equipped with a unique drive system which allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure they are aware of any special requirements and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate these requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your departure time, which is especially important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also require that you check-in an 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 details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable way to travel. These electric chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size handling, stowage, and handling. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require that you 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 it is stored upright.
Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it is lost or damaged during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If possible you can arrive earlier than two hours prior to your departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with the stowing of 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 your flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for any damages from the airline. You should also consider bringing a seat cushion with you so that your journey is as comfortable as it can be for you. A seat cushion is especially important for flights that last more than an hour, since it reduces pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is an overwhelming experience. However, with the proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, flying with a power chair is feasible.
Before booking your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check into your seat whether at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In any case, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour before your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it is properly and properly stored to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the kind of power chair you have It may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions in order to aid the staff of the airline handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable items prior to you go to the airport, and to make sure all the controls are functioning properly.
Once you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra to store assistive devices, like power chairs. This is a wonderful benefit for people with disabilities, because it can help them avoid costly expenses.
After the plane has landed at the airport, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit into the aisle of the aircraft. You will then be able to board the plane, and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as is possible or at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with the proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new places. The most important thing to remember is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll not be able to fully take advantage of the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for people who have mobility problems. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the experience less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, so that you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with your electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered part of your chair and then place it inside a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours before the time of departure to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documents you need to the airport, including your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and avoid confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
If you are at the ticket counter of your airline or at the gate, be sure you be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide the kind of wheelchair you own and any other accessories you may require like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be storing your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for storage. If you're transferring from your low cost electric wheelchair electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book a direct flight to minimize the number times your equipment is moved between locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a photo of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.