Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are several aspects to be considered. The staff at the airport and the airline will inquire about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to use it.

Make sure you have all of this information in your possession prior to you travel to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with the regulations for air travel.

What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stowed on planes. They will typically have a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be tucked under the plane as checked luggage. They will also be able navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes, bricks or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a unique drive system that permits them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will assist you for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate for boarding. It is however important to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and confirm that they can meet those needs. Certain airlines require you to be at least an hour before your departure time, which is important during busy travel periods.

Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. The space is not large enough and is first come first served. They also require that any additional 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 prevent accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when bringing an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour before your flight, to ensure proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions as well as other useful information about your mobility chair or power scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe way to travel. These chairs are designed to fold and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you are planning to travel with your airline of preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is safely stowed in a straight position.

Depending on your airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details including your name address, address, phone number and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You might also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that help you remain in your wheelchair during transfers with airline and airport personnel.

Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. Being earlier than that is even better, especially during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and allows the airline representative ample time to help you stow your chair.

Before you travel, take a picture of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your device is damaged during your flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline for Turn any wheelchair into an electric handcycle damages. You should also consider bringing cushions for your seats so that your journey is as relaxing as possible for you. The use of a cushion for your seat is essential for flights that will last longer than an hour, because it will reduce pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can be intimidating. However, with the proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, traveling using your electric chair is feasible.

Before booking your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They'll be able to guide you in the best direction, whether you prefer to check-in your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and make sure that it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.

Depending on your power chair It may be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to transportation. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to help the airline employees handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable accessories before you leave for the airport, and to make sure all of the controls are in working order.

Once you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the airplane. The airlines are not allowed to charging you a cost to store assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for those with disabilities as it helps them avoid unnecessary expenses.

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 one that is able to fit in the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft or www.mymobilityscooters.uk at the jetbridge or the gate.

Traveling with an electric chair can be daunting, deprezyon.com but with careful planning and adhering to the guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new locations easily. The most important thing to remember is that if you're not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that travel offers.

Check-Out

Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. If you're traveling with an electric or wheelchair could make your trip more enjoyable. However, it is important that you follow the airline's guidelines regarding bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to learn about their policies on power chairs, and to ask any questions.

Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your trip as you've prepared it for travel. Certain airlines may require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will require you to have a doctor's note in order to allow you to fly using your electric chair. Some airlines will also require you to disassemble the battery-powered part of your wheelchair and place it in a protective case.

Once you're at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours prior to your departure time to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including your owner manual and any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up check-in and prevent 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 needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any accessories you might require for example, sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for storage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an express flight to reduce the number times your equipment is moved between different locations.

After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair just as they would with your luggage. Take a picture of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.