Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things to consider when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how to handle it.
Make sure lightweight electric wheelchair have all of this information at hand before you travel to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that comply with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and stowed securely on airplanes. The FAA can approve them for travel on planes and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. Additionally, they will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system that allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. However, it is important to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those needs. Certain airlines require you to be at least an hour before your scheduled departure time This is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and operates on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected 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 safe design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful information regarding your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient way to travel. These electric chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines for battery size handling, stowage, and handling. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety purposes and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is securely tucked away in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your phone number, and the wheelchair model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment in case it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You might also consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which help you remain in your wheelchair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. If possible, arrive at least two hours earlier than your departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you check in early and provides plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged on the flight. This will give you the leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for any damages. You should also think about bringing cushions for your seats to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. The use of a cushion for your seat is essential for flights that last over an hour, as it reduces the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can be intimidating. However, with proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, air travel with a power chair is attainable.
Before you book your flight, speak to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check-in your chair regardless of whether it's at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and make sure that it will be stowed safely for your trip.
Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it before it is transported. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, including the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable accessories before you travel to the airport and to ensure all the controls are in working order.
Once you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and then stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging you a cost to store assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people who have disabilities, as they can avoid unnecessary costs.
Once the plane is in the air at the airport, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to slide in the aisle of the aircraft. You will then be able to get off the plane and your power wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as is possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with the right planning and adherence to guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new destinations without difficulty. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are uncomfortable in your chair, you'll never enjoy the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people who have mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow your airline's policies for the transportation and storage of your chair on board the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to find out their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines will allow you to bring an electric wheelchair on your trip as you've prepared it for travel. Certain airlines may require you to charge the batteries before boarding, and some may require you to have a doctor's recommendation in order to let you fly with your electric chair. Certain airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered part of your wheelchair, and place it into a protective case.
Once you're at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, including your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
When you reach the airline ticket counter or gate, make sure to communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Explain your wheelchair and any accessories you may need, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft using an appropriate cart. If you're transferring to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the number of times your equipment will be transferred between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded on 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 the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a picture of it prior to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.