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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are many things to consider. Airport and airline staff will ask you many questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.

Make sure you have this information ready prior to your trip to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that meet 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 in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or muddy roads. They could also be equipped with a patented power drive system that enables them to move in tight spaces or elevators.

The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the gates for boarding. It is important to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any specific needs and confirm that they can meet the requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of your scheduled departure This is particularly important during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of a wheelchair or mobility wheelchairs electric scooter. The space is limited and operates on the basis of first-come-first-serve. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before taking an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to your flight time so that they can ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. Additionally, they request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent details about your power chair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are made for safe and convenient travel. These power chairs for disabled chairs are made to fold, and they conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. If you are planning to travel with the airline of your preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in an upright position.

Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your phone number, and the wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it gets lost or damaged during your trip. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.

Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. Being earlier than that is even better if possible particularly during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to help you stow your chair.

Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in pursuing compensation for the damages from the airline. Consider bringing along cushions to make the trip as comfortable as you possibly can. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights lasting over an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be daunting. Traveling with a power chair is possible with the proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.

Talk to an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best way to check-in your chair regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and ensure that it will be safely towed for your trip.

Depending on the kind of power chair (please click the next page) you have It could be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the case, it is important to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the staff of the airline handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any accessories that can be removed prior to when you go to the airport, and to make sure all of the controls are working properly.

When you arrive at an airport the cheap electric wheelchairs chair will be placed in the cargo hold and then stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra fees for stowing assistive devices like power chairs. This is a great feature for those with disabilities since it allows them to save money.

When the plane lands in the air, a representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit in the aisle of the aircraft. You will then be able to disembark, and your power wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as is possible in either the jet bridge or at the gate.

Traveling with an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to the guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new locations easily. It is important to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it provides.

Check-Out

Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for those with mobility problems. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it's important to adhere to the guidelines of your airline for bringing and stowing your chair on board the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact the airline prior to your travels to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.

Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, so long as you prepare it to travel. Certain airlines may require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a medical note in order to let you fly with your electric chair. Some airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case.

Once you're 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 may need to the airport, such as your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid. This will make it easier for the check-in process and can make sure that there is no confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.

Upon arriving at the counter for tickets or at the gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Discuss your wheelchair and any other accessories you might require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be storing your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for storage. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an direct flight to cut down on the number times your equipment is moved between different locations.

When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photograph of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.