What Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair You'll Use As Your Next Big Obsession
What Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair You'll Use As Your Next Big Obsession
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are several things to take into consideration. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions regarding the dimensions of your chair, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have this information ready before you go to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that comply with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and stowed securely on planes. They will typically have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel and can be stored under the plane as checked luggage. They can also maneuver on rough surfaces such as deceleration stripes, gravel, bricks or muddy roads. They could also be fitted with a unique drive system that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the boarding gate. It is important to contact the airline in advance to ensure that they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate these requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of your scheduled departure This is particularly important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited and operated on an initial-come first-serve basis. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair, because federal regulations require they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask to check-in one hour prior to your flight time so that they can ensure the 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
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure comfortable and safe travel. These electric chairs can be folded and comply with airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist in preparing your itinerary and give you the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide you with instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines will require you to remove your wheelchair's battery for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed and that it is safely stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you use, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information such as your name address, number, and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment in case it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may also want to look into purchasing slings from the 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.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If you are able be there earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is particularly important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check in earlier and gives ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This serves as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for the damages from the airline. You should also consider bringing a seat cushion with you so that your journey is as comfortable as possible for you. The use of a cushion for your seat is especially important when you travel for over an hour, as it will reduce pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling using an approved airline electric wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane could be an overwhelming experience. Traveling with a power chair is possible with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best way to check into your seat whether at the ticket counter or the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and ensure it will be safely towed for your trip.
Depending on the type of chair you own It may be necessary to disassemble the chair for 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. Attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. Also, remove any removable accessories and check that all controls are functioning before you depart for the airport.
Once you are at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the plane. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra to store assistive devices, like power chairs. This is a great feature for people with disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.
Once the plane is in the air, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit in the aisle of the aircraft. You can then disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the closest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or the gate.
Traveling with an electric chair can be intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to guidelines, you can be able to experience the joy of exploring new places without difficulty. It is crucial to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for passengers who have mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it's essential to follow the guidelines of your airline for transporting and stowing your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines will allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your trip as you've prepared it for travel. Certain airlines might require you to charge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a doctor's note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly heavy duty electric wheelchair with your power chair. Some airlines may also demand that you take down the battery powered portion of your chair, and then place it in an enclosure that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, including your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid to the airport. This will help speed up the process of checking in and will help avoid confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
When you arrive at the airline's ticket counter or gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Discuss your wheelchair and any other accessories you might require like seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be storing your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining it for stowage. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will minimize the amount of times your equipment will be transferred between various locations.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a photo of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.