Why Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Is More Difficult Than You Think
Why Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Is More Difficult Than You Think
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and at the airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have all of this information at hand before you travel to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with the air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and safely stowed on planes. The FAA can approve them for travel on planes and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. Additionally, they will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or roads that are muddy. They could also have a patent-pending power drive system that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate for boarding. It is essential to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet the requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before the departure time you have scheduled This is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited, and it's first come first served. Federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check in an hour before 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 about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are made for comfortable and safe travel. They can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. If you plan 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 up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and put it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is safely stowed in a straight position.
Based on your airline or airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details including your name address, address, phone number, and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it is stolen or mishandled on your trip. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will allow you to remain in your chair during transfers with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If you are able be there at least two hours earlier than your scheduled departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check in earlier and gives plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you in stowing your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you to seek compensation for any damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring an extra cushion for your seat so that your journey is as comfortable as it can be for you. A seat cushion is particularly important for flights that last more than an hour, since it will reduce 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. Traveling with a power chair is possible with the right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Contact an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will be able to help you navigate in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to make your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, it is recommended to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and make sure that it will be stowed safely for your journey.
Based on the model of power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist staff of the airline handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any removable items and check whether all controls function before leaving for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices like power wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities as they can save money.
Once the plane is in the air in the air, a representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle. Then, you can disembark, and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible location to the aircraft door, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
A trip with an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to the guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the thrill of exploring new destinations without difficulty. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if uncomfortable in your chair, you'll never enjoy the freedom that traveling provides.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people who have mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow the guidelines of your airline for transporting and stowing your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policies and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight as provided it's prepared for travel. Certain airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to fly with a electric wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of mobility electric chair your chair and put it in a case that is protected.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before the time of departure to ensure that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to departure. Bring any documentation you might need to the airport, like your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
If you are at the airline ticket counter or gate, make sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Be sure to describe the kind of wheelchair you own and any other accessories you may require, such as cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage or if it will be transferred to the aircraft with an appropriate cart. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to take a direct flight which will reduce the number of times that your equipment will be moved between various locations.
Once your wheelchair is on 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 wheelchair, the same way they would with your luggage. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.