Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many things you should consider when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and the airline will inquire about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Be sure to have these details in hand prior to you head to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that comply with the requirements for air travel.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and stowed safely on airplanes. They will typically have a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be tucked under the plane as checked baggage. In addition they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or roads that are muddy. They could also have a patent-pending power drive system that permits them to move in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate to board. It is crucial to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they can meet the requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure which is crucial during busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough, and it's first come first served. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected in conjunction with the wheelchair or scooter, because federal regulations require they are disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with a safe design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring electric wheelchairs or scooters on their flights. They also request that you check in one hour before your flight, so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so airport personnel can gather information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure safe and convenient travel. They can be folded and comply with airline standards for battery size, handling and stowage. If you are planning to fly with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in preparing your itinerary and give you the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair for safety purposes and place it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is securely tucked away in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you use, you may need to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it gets lost or is mishandled on 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 chair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. If possible, arrive earlier than two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you check in earlier and gives ample time for the representative of electric wheelchair indoor the airline to assist you in stowing your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in pursuing compensation for damages from the airline. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make your flight as comfortable as possible. The use of a cushion for your seat is particularly important for flights that last longer than an hour, because it reduces the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can be intimidating. Air travel with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Contact an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about cheap electric wheelchairs the policies and procedures. They'll be able to help you navigate in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to make your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely for your journey.
Depending on the kind of power chair you own It may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it's important to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions on hand to help the airline personnel handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair, such as the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable accessories before you go to the airport and also to ensure that all controls are functioning properly.
Once you are at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the airplane. The airlines are prohibited from charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for passengers lightweight wheelchair electric who have disabilities, as they can avoid unnecessary costs.
Once the plane is in the air in the air, a representative from the airline will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to slide electric wheelchair 25 stone into the aisle of the aircraft. You can then disembark and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
Traveling with an electric chair can be daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new places with ease. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're uncomfortable in your chair, you will 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 issues. If you're traveling with mobility scooters or wheelchairs, it can make your trip more enjoyable. However, it is crucial to adhere to the airline's guidelines regarding bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to find out their policy on power chairs and to inquire about any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it to travel. Certain airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a physician's letter to allow you to fly with your power wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you take down the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Get to the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. Bring any documents you require to the airport, such as your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or gate, make sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Explain the type of wheelchair you have and any other accessories you may require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining it for stowage. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, try to take a direct flight which will minimize the amount of times your equipment will be moved between different locations.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a picture check here of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.