Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many things you should consider when traveling with a powered chair. Airport and airline staff will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have all of this information at hand before you leave for the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA can approve them for air travel and they can be stowed under the plane as checked baggage. Additionally they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or roads that are muddy. They could also have a patent-pending power drive system that permits them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the gates for boarding. It is essential to call the airline ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they will be able to accommodate these requirements. Some airlines require you to be at least one hour prior to your departure time, which is important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their cabins for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. This space is limited and on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the wheelchair or scooter, since federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with a secure design to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable method of travel. They can be folded and comply with airline guidelines regarding battery size handling, stowage, and handling. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed, and that it is stored upright.
Depending on the airline you use or airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name address, address, phone number, and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You may also want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that aid you in staying in your wheelchair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
You should always arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure that proper stowage of your equipment is completed. If you are able, arrive earlier than two hours before 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 airline representative plenty of time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair before you travel. This will serve as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for any damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring an extra cushion for your seat to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Cushions for seats are essential when you travel for more than an hour. They reduce pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be a daunting task. Traveling with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Talk to an airline representative prior to booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check-in your chair regardless of whether it's at the counter for tickets or the gate. In any case, it is recommended to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely and properly stored to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the model of your power chair It could be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to help the airline employees handling your chair. It is also read more an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, including the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any removable accessories and check that all controls work before you leave for the airport.
Once you arrive at the airport, your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and then stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge you extra for the stowing of assistive devices such as electric chairs. This is an excellent benefit for passengers with disabilities, as it helps them avoid unnecessary expenses.
Once the plane is in the air, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can fit down the aircraft aisle. Then, you will be able to board the plane, and your wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as is possible or at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with the right planning and following the rules, you can enjoy exploring new destinations. The most important thing to remember is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never be able to enjoy the freedom that traveling offers.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for people who suffer from mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, but it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact the airline prior to your travels to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it to travel. Some airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to fly with your electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered part of your chair and then place it inside a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. Bring any documentation you might need to the airport, like your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid. This will speed up check-in and prevent confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
On arrival at the airline's ticket counter or gate, make sure to clearly communicate your mobility requirements. Explain the kind of wheelchair you're using and any necessary accessories, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be examining your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft with an adapted cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book a direct flight to minimize the number of times your device is moved between locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment, just like checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your wheelchair or scooter, just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.