Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to consider. The airport staff and at the airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Be sure to have all of these details in hand prior to you leave for the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and stowed securely on planes. The FAA will approve them for air travel, and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. They can also navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes, brick or muddy road. They could also be equipped with a patent-pending power drive system that allows them to move in tight spaces or lifts.
Airlines will assist you with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter to the boarding gate. It is essential to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure that they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they will be able to accommodate the requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour ahead of your departure time which is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. The space is limited and operates on the basis of first-come-first-serve. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be checked by the 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 aboard their flights. They also request to check-in at least an hour before your flight so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions as well as other useful information regarding your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure safe and convenient travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold up and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These experts can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the latest information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Some 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 terminals are not exposed and it is placed upright.
Based on your airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following information including your name, address, phone number, and model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment in case it should become lost or damaged during your trip. You may also think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that allow you to remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. If you can be there at least two hours earlier than the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair before you travel. This serves as proof attendant controlled electric wheelchair if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for any damages. It is also advisable to bring cushions for your seats to ensure that your flight is as relaxing as possible for you. Cushions for seats are essential when you travel for more than an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be intimidating. But, with the right preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, air travel with your power chair is feasible.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can help you navigate in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to make your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour before your flight. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and ensure it will be stowed safely for your trip.
Depending on the model of your power chair It may be necessary to disassemble it before transport. In this instance it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the go to help airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. Also, remove any accessories that are removable and check that all controls work before leaving for the airport.
Once you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and then stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for passengers with disabilities as it allows them to save money.
An airline employee can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which will fit on the aisle of the aircraft once the plane arrives. You can then disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with the right planning and following the rules you will be able to enjoy exploring new destinations. It is important to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to travel with the freedom it provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be extremely stressful for people with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your flight, so 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 recommendation on file before they will allow you to fly using your motorized chair. Certain airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered component of your chair and put it in a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, including 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 process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
When you reach the ticket counter of your airline or gate, make sure to explain your mobility needs clearly. Discuss your wheelchair and any other accessories you might require for example, seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the aircraft with an appropriate cart. 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 number of times your equipment will be transferred between locations.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to capture a photo before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.