Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to consider. The airport staff and airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to use it.
Be sure to have all of these details in hand prior to you head 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 ones that are designed to be carried and safely stowed on airplanes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes, bricks or muddy roads. They may also be equipped with a patented drive system that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate to board. It is crucial to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure that they are aware of any specific needs and confirm that they can meet the requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive at least an hour prior to your departure time, which is especially important during busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough, and it's first come, first served. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected in conjunction with the scooter or wheelchair, because federal regulations require they must be removed from the device unless the chair is equipped with a safe design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to bringing an electric wheelchair or scooter aboard their flights. They also request that you check-in an hour before your flight, to ensure proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions as well as other useful information about your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure safe and convenient travel. These power chairs are made to fold and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you plan to travel with your airline of preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the latest information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and put it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is securely tucked away in a upright position.
Depending on your airline or airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details such as your name address, address, phone number, and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is stolen or mishandled during your journey. You may also want to think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airport and airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure time to ensure check here that your equipment is in good storage. Being earlier than that is even better especially during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and allows the representative of small electric wheel chair the airline plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair before you travel. This can be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline in case of damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make your flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights lasting over 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. Traveling with a power chair is achievable with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Before booking your flight, speak 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 ticket counter or the gate. In either case, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it is properly stowed to be ready for your trip.
Based on the model of chair you own It could be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. In this situation it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on the go to help airline employees who handle your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, such as the owner's manual or warranty electric wheelchair 25 stone information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable items prior to you go to the airport, and to make sure all the controls are functioning properly.
When you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and then stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging you a cost to store assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, because it can help them avoid unnecessary expenses.
Once the plane is in the air at the airport, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit in the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible location to the aircraft door or at the jetbridge or 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 enjoy exploring new get more info destinations. 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 enjoy the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for people with mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding bringing and stowing your chair on the plane. Contact the airline in advance to find out their policy on power chairs, and to ask any questions.
Most airlines will allow passengers to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on more info your flight, so you've prepared it for travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your power wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered component of your chair and then place it in a protective case.
Once you're at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you may require to the airport, such as your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or gate, be sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Be sure to describe the type of wheelchair you have and any other accessories you may require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for stowage. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the amount of times your equipment will be transferred between locations.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment is damaged, you must capture a photo before leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.