Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

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

Be sure to have this information at hand before you head to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with the air travel regulations.

What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA can approve them for air travel, and they can be stowed under the plane as checked baggage. In addition they'll be able to move on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips bricks, plantsg.com.sg or muddy roads. 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 passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline in advance to ensure that they are aware of any specific needs and to confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of your departure time This is particularly important in busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and operated on the basis of first-come-first-serve. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are designed to stop accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request that you check in one hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions as well as other useful details about your power chair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Airline approved Electric Wheelchair Types wheelchairs are made for comfortable and safe travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold up and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines will require you to remove your wheelchair's battery to ensure safety and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and that it is safely stowed upright.

Depending on the airline you fly with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, address, your phone number, and the wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your trip. You may also want to look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that aid you in staying in your wheelchair during transfers with airline and airport personnel.

You should always arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is completed. If you are able, arrive at least two hours earlier than your scheduled departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you check-in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.

Take a picture of your wheelchair before you travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you the ability to seek compensation from the airline for any damages. You should also think about bringing a seat cushion with you so that your journey is as comfortable as possible for you. The use of a cushion for your seat is essential when you travel for longer than an hour, because this will minimize the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be a daunting task. Traveling with a power chair is achievable with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.

Speak to an airline representative prior to booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the right direction, regardless of whether you prefer to get your seat at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is suggested. This gives the airline ample time to inspect your equipment and ensure that it will be safely towed for your trip.

Depending on the kind of power 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 on hand to help the staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, like 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 talking to also to ensure that all of the controls are functioning properly.

Once you arrive at the airport, your elderly electric wheelchair chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, because it can help them save money.

Once the plane is in the air in the air, a representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your power wheelchair to one that can fit in the aisle of the aircraft. You will then be able to disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.

It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with right planning and following guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new destinations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll never be able to enjoy the freedom that traveling offers.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for those who have mobility problems. If you're using an electric or wheelchair could make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is essential to follow the airline's policies regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. Contact the airline ahead of time to find out their policy on power chairs, and to ask any questions.

Most airlines will allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight as provided it's prepared for travel. Certain airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your power wheelchair. Some airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair, and place it into a protective case.

Get to the airport at least two hours before your departure time so that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including the owner's manual as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.

When you arrive at the airline ticket counter or gate, be sure to be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Explain your wheelchair and any accessories you may need, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be storing your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for storage. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book a direct flight to minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between different locations.

After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment along with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra to store your wheelchair or scooter, the same way they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, make sure you take a picture of it prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.