10 Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Tricks All Experts Recommend
10 Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Tricks All Experts Recommend
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to use it.
Be sure to have all of these details in hand prior to you travel to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and safely stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for use on flights and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or roads that are muddy. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending which allows them to maneuver in 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 however important to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those needs. Some airlines require you to arrive an hour before your scheduled departure time which is essential in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. The space is limited and operates on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the scooter or wheelchair, since federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a secure design to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require to check-in at least an hour before your flight so that they can ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed for secure and comfortable travel. These electric chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you are planning to travel with the airline of your choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and then place it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed and it is stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you use or airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details including your name, address, phone number, and model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it should become lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will allow you to 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 storage. If possible you can arrive earlier than two hours before your departure time. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This lets you check-in early and gives the airline representative ample time to help you stow your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to traveling. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline in case of damages. Consider bringing along cushions to make the trip as comfortable as you possibly can. Using a seat cushion is especially important when you travel for longer than an hour, because it reduces pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
For those who travel using an approved airline electric wheelchair, the process of boarding a plane can be an overwhelming experience. Traveling with a power chair is achievable with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Talk to an airline representative before making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will be able to help you navigate in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to get your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure it is safely stowed to be ready for your trip.
Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary to disassemble it before transport. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions on hand to help the staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, including the owner's manual as well as warranty information. You should also take off any removable items and make sure that all controls are functioning before you leave for the airport.
When you arrive at an airport your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra to store assistive devices, like electric chairs. This is an excellent benefit for people who have disabilities, as it helps them avoid unnecessary costs.
After the plane has landed in the air, a representative from the airline will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can fit in the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you will be able to board the plane, and your power wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as you can in either the jet bridge or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric chair can be daunting, but with careful planning and adherence to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new places easily. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that traveling affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people who suffer from mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow the guidelines of your airline for the transportation and storage of your chair on board the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to learn about their policies on power chairs and to inquire about any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, so that you prepare it for travel. Some airlines may require you to recharge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a medical note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your power chair. Certain airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered part of your chair and then place it in a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's important to bring any documentation, such as your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and help avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
On arrival at the ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any necessary accessories like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be storing your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining it for stowage. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to make a direct flight which will minimize the number of times your equipment will be moved between locations.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane it will be here placed in the cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.