Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are many things to consider when traveling with an electric chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you many questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how it should be handled.

Make sure you have this information ready prior to your trip to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that meet the requirements for air travel.

What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?

Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are able to be safely transported and stored on planes. They typically come with an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stored under the plane as checked luggage. Additionally, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or muddy roads. They may also have a patent-pending power drive system that enables them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.

The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline in advance to ensure they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they will be able to accommodate these requirements. Certain airlines require you to be at least an hour before your scheduled departure time, which is important during busy travel periods.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and it's first come, first served. They also require that any additional batteries be checked as part of the wheelchair or scooter, because federal regulations require they are disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to prevent unintentional activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require that you check in one hour before your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent details about your mobility chair or power scooter.

Safety

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are made for safe and convenient travel. These power chairs can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline guidelines for 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. These experts can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the latest details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals aren't exposed, and that it is safely stowed upright.

Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your telephone number, and the wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it should become lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will assist you in staying in your chair during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.

You should always arrive at at two hours before the time of departure to ensure proper stowage of your equipment is completed. If possible you can arrive earlier than two hours prior to the time you plan to depart. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.

Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for any damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make the trip as comfortable as you possibly can. A seat cushion is especially important for flights that last over an hour, as it will reduce pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.

Check-In

The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be a daunting task. However, with the proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, traveling using your electric chair is possible.

Before booking your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn 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 either case, it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and make sure that it will be stowed safely for your journey.

Depending on the type of power chair you own It could be required to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it's helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the airline personnel handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair, like the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable accessories before you travel to the airport and also to ensure that all controls are in working order.

Once you arrive at the airport the electric power chairs for sale chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging you a fee to stow assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, because it can help them avoid costly expenses.

An airline employee can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that will fit on the aisle of the aircraft once the plane arrives. You can then disembark and your wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.

It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new locations. The most important thing to remember is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll never take advantage of the freedom that travel affords.

Check-Out

Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for those who have mobility issues. If you're traveling with a wheelchair or a scooter can make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it's crucial to adhere to the airline's guidelines regarding the use of your chair and storage it on 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 a motorized chair for your flight, so that you prepare it correctly for travel. Certain airlines might require you to charge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a doctor's recommendation on file prior to being able to let you fly with your motorized chair. Some airlines may also require that you take down the battery powered portion of your chair, and place it in a case that is safe.

Get to the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before flight. Bring any documentation you may need to the airport, such as your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

When you reach the counter for tickets to airline or gate, make sure to communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Explain the kind of wheelchair you own and any accessories you require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the plane using a specialized cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to book a direct flight, mymobilityscooters which will minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between locations.

Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo area along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a photograph of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.