Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several aspects to take into consideration when traveling with a powered chair. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you a lot of questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how it should be handled.
Be sure to have all of this information in your possession prior to you head to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with the air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will approve them for travel on planes, and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. They can also navigate on rough surfaces like deceleration stripes, gravel, roads that are muddy or brick. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. It is essential to contact the airline prior to your departure to make sure they are aware of any special requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet them. Certain airlines require that you arrive at least an hour prior to your departure time, which is especially important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes for the stowage and storage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before taking electric wheelchairs or scooters aboard their flights. They also request that you check in one hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so airport personnel can gather details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful details about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are made for secure and comfortable travel. These chairs are designed to fold and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you are planning to travel with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety purposes and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed and it is stowed upright.
Based on your airline or airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name address, number and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it should become lost or mishandled during your trip. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
You should arrive at at two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is done. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better if possible particularly during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This lets you check in earlier and gives ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Before you leave to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in obtaining compensation for 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. A seat cushion is particularly important when you travel for more than an hour, since this will minimize the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
For those who travel using an approved airline electric wheelchair, boarding a plane can be a daunting prospect. Traveling with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Before booking your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check in your chair regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour prior to your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that it is properly stored for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it before transport. In this situation it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the go to help airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and 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 travel to the airport and also to ensure that all controls are in working order.
Once you arrive at an airport, your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra to store assistive devices, like electric chairs. This is a great benefit for people who have disabilities, as they can avoid unnecessary costs.
Once the plane is in the air, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to one that can fit into the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines you can have fun exploring new locations. The most important thing to remember is that if not comfortable in your chair, you'll not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers who have mobility problems. If you have mobility scooters or wheelchairs could make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is essential to follow the airline's guidelines regarding bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your trip as you've prepared it for travel. www.mymobilityscooters.uk Certain airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will need a doctor's letter prior to allowing you to fly with a power wheelchair. Some airlines may also require that you remove the battery powered portion of your chair, and place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Once you're at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours before the time of departure to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or gate, be sure to explain your mobility needs clearly. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any other accessories you might require for example, sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining it for stowage. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an direct flight to cut down on the amount of times your equipment is moved between locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment, just like checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment is damaged, make sure you take a photograph before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.