Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things you should consider when traveling with a powered chair. Airport and airline staff will ask you numerous questions about your chair's dimensions, battery type and how to handle it.
Be sure to have all this information at hand before you leave for 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 are approved by airlines can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They can also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending which allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the boarding gates. However, it is essential to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive one hour prior to your scheduled departure time This is crucial during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage and storage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and operated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected unless they are designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also request to check-in one hour prior to your flight time to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient method of travel. They can be folded in a compact manner and comply with 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. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. wheelchair with electric motor will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is safely stowed in a straight position.
Depending on your airline depending on your airline, you might be required to label your wheelchair with the following details including your name address, address, phone number and model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment in case it gets lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to help you remain in your seat during transfers with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better if possible, especially during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and allows the airline representative plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you leave, take a picture of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during your flight. This will give you leverage to seek compensation for any damages from the airline. Consider bringing along an extra cushion for your seat to make the trip as comfortable as you can. Seat cushions are especially important for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce the pressure on your skin and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
For those who travel using an approved airline electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is a daunting prospect. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is feasible with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Before booking your flight, talk to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you in the best direction, regardless of whether you prefer to make your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it is properly stored to be ready for your trip.
Based on the model of power chair you have It could be required to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it's important to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions in order to aid the staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, such as the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any removable items and ensure that all controls work before you leave for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the plane. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra fees for stowing assistive devices like electric chairs. This is a great feature for people with disabilities, because it can help them save money.
When the plane lands, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft. After disembarking, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or at the gate.
A trip with an electric wheelchair may seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adherence to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new places without difficulty. 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 offers.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility problems. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it is important to follow your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on board the airplane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, so provided you prepare it properly to travel. Some airlines might require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a medical note on file before they will allow you to fly with your electric chair. Some airlines may also require that you take down the battery-powered part of your wheelchair, and place it into an enclosure that is protected.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. It's recommended to bring any documentation, such as the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
On arrival at the counter for tickets or at the gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Explain your wheelchair and any other accessories you may require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a separate cart or checking it for storage. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an direct flight to cut down on the number of times your device is moved between different locations.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment is damaged, you must capture a photo prior to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.