Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things to consider when traveling with an electric chair. The staff at the airport and airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and safely stowed on airplanes. The FAA can approve them for air travel and they can be stowed under the plane as checked baggage. In addition they'll be able to navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or muddy roads. They could also have a patented power drive system that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate for boarding. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet your needs. Some airlines require you to be at least an hour before your scheduled departure time which is essential during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes that allows for the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring electric wheelchairs or scooters on their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of 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 details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to offer the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most current details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair for safety purposes and place it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the battery terminals aren't exposed, and that it is stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you travel with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your telephone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You may also think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will aid you in staying in your wheelchair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better if possible, especially during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the airline representative ample time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you travel, take a picture of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for any damages. Consider bringing along an extra cushion for your seat to make the flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Cushions for seats are essential when you travel for more than an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can be a daunting task. However, with the proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, flying with your power chair is possible.
Before booking your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check into your seat whether at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it's advised to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it is properly and properly stored for your journey.
Depending on the type of chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist airline employees handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable items prior to you leave for the airport and to ensure all the controls are working properly.
Once you arrive at an airport your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and then stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for passengers with disabilities, because it can help them avoid unnecessary expenses.
A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft once the plane lands. Then, you can disembark, and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the aircraft door, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
A trip with an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new places easily. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not comfortable in your chair, you'll never enjoy the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for those who have mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it's essential to follow your airline's policies for bringing and stowing your chair on the plane. Contact the airline in advance to inquire about their policy on power chairs, and to inquire about any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring an electric wheelchair on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared for travel. Certain airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your electric wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered part of your chair and put 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, such as the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
Upon arriving at the airline's ticket counter or gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Be sure to describe the kind of wheelchair you're using and any other accessories you may require like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be placing your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for stowage. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to make a direct flight which will reduce the cheapest electric wheelchairs number of times that your equipment is moved between various locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo area along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a photograph before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.