Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair 101: It's The Complete Guide For Beginners
Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair 101: It's The Complete Guide For Beginners
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are a few aspects to be considered. The staff at the airport and airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions, battery type, and how to handle it.
Make sure you have this information ready prior to your trip to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that meet the requirements for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for air travel and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. They can also move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes roads that are muddy or brick. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter to the gate for boarding. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require you to be at least an hour before your scheduled departure time, which is important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes that allows for the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and it's first come, first served. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair, since federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with a safe design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour before your flight, so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are made for safe and convenient travel. These electric chairs can be folded and comply with airline guidelines regarding battery size handling, stowage, and handling. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the most current details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines will require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way to ensure safety and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed, and it is stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment in case it gets lost or damaged during your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. Being earlier than that is even better if possible, especially during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows ample time get more info for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.
Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you to seek compensation for the damages from the airline. Consider bringing along an extra cushion for your seat to make the flight as comfortable as possible. The use of more info a cushion for your seat is especially important for flights that last longer than an hour, because this will minimize pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be a daunting task. But, with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, traveling using your electric chair is feasible.
Before you book your flight, talk check here to an airline representative to find out 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 counter for tickets or at the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This gives the airline ample time check here to examine your equipment and make sure that it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the kind of chair you own It may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, including the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable accessories before you leave for the airport and also to ensure that all the controls are in working order.
Once you arrive at the airport your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you a cost to store assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for passengers with disabilities, since it allows them to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Once the plane is in the air at the airport, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to one that is able to slide down the aircraft aisle. Then, you will be able to board the plane, 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 adherence to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the thrill of exploring new locations without difficulty. It is important to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you will not be able to travel with the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for those who have mobility issues. 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 transporting and stowing your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be 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 wheelchair on your flight as you've prepared it for travel. Certain airlines may require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a medical note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly using your electric chair. Some airlines may also demand that you remove the battery powered portion of your chair and get more info place it into a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours before the time of departure so 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 for your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
On arrival at the ticket counter or gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Explain the type of wheelchair you have and any necessary accessories, such as cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage or if it will be transferred to the aircraft using a specialized cart. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book an direct flight to cut down on the amount of times your equipment is moved between different locations.
Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair, like they do with your luggage. Take a photograph of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.