Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are several things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.

Make sure you have all of this information at hand before you head to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with the regulations 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 can approve them for air travel and they can be stowed under the plane as checked baggage. They can also maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes, roads that are muddy or brick. They could also be fitted with a unique drive system that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will assist you for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to 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 arrive at least an hour prior to your scheduled departure which is crucial during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes for the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough, and it's first come, first serve. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected unless they are designed to stop accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to your flight time so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information regarding your power chair prices chair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide an efficient and safe way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. If you are 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. They can assist you in planning your trip and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed and it is placed 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 your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it is lost or mishandled during your journey. You may also want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.

Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. Being earlier than that is even better if possible particularly during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows ample time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair.

Before you travel to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in obtaining compensation for any damages from the airline. You should consider bringing cushions to make your flight as comfortable as you can. Using a seat cushion is particularly important when you travel for longer than an hour, because it will reduce 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 a daunting task. But, with the right preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, traveling with your power chair is feasible.

Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They'll be able to guide you in the best direction, no matter if you prefer to get your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In any case, it is recommended that you arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and make sure that it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the type of power chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to help the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable accessories before you go to the airport and also to ensure that all controls are working properly.

When you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the airplane. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra fees for stowing assistive devices such as power chairs. This is an excellent benefit for passengers with disabilities, since it allows them to avoid costly expenses.

A representative from the airline will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft when the plane arrives. After disembarking, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the shortest possible location to the aircraft door, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.

The idea of using an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new places with ease. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable in your chair, you will never enjoy the freedom that travel provides.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for those who have mobility issues. If you have an Black Lightweight Electric Wheelchair for Travel Seniors or wheelchair, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is important that you follow the airline's guidelines for the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. Contact the airline in advance to inquire about their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions.

Many airlines will allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your trip as provided it's prepared for travel. Certain airlines might require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a doctor's recommendation in order to allow you to fly with your power chair. Some airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered component of your chair and then place it in a protective case.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before flight. It's important to bring any documentation, like your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions 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.

When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any accessories you require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or whether it will be transported to the aircraft using a specialized cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book an direct flight to cut down on the number times your equipment is moved between different locations.

When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair, just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to capture a photo before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.