Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are several things to consider when traveling with an electric chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you many questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type as well as how to handle it.

Be sure to have all of these details in hand prior to you travel to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with the air travel regulations.

What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?

electric wheelchair 25 stone wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA can approve them for air travel and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. Additionally, they will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or roads that are muddy. They may also be equipped with a unique drive system that allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will assist you with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate to board. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure This is particularly important during busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin that can be used for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. The space is limited and operates on the basis of first-come-first-serve. The federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to prevent accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to you bring an lightest electric wheelchair uk scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour before your flight, so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and give you the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed, and that it is safely placed upright.

Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it gets lost or damaged during your trip. You might also think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that aid you in staying in your wheelchair while you travel with airline and airport personnel.

You should arrive at the airport 2 hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If you can you can arrive at least two hours earlier than your departure time. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.

Photograph your wheelchair prior to traveling. This can be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline in case of damages. It is also advisable to bring cushions for your seats so that your journey is as comfortable as it can be for you. Cushions for seats are essential for flights lasting over an hour. They reduce pressure on your skin, and will prevent soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be intimidating. Traveling with a power chair is possible with the proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.

Before booking your flight, talk to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best way to check into your seat regardless of whether it's at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it is safely stored for your trip.

Depending on the kind of power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this case it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the table to aid airline employees who handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable items prior to you go to the airport and to ensure all the controls are working properly.

Once you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the airplane. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra fees for the stowing of assistive devices such as power chairs. This is a huge benefit for people who have disabilities, as they can avoid costly expenses.

A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft when the plane arrives. Then, you will be able to get off the plane and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as is possible in either the jet bridge or at the gate.

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

Check-Out

Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for those with mobility problems. 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 in advance to learn about their policies on lightweight power chair chairs and to inquire about any questions.

Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, as that you prepare it properly to travel. Certain airlines may require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a doctor's recommendation on file prior to being able to let you fly with your power chair. Some airlines will also require you to remove the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it inside 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 prior to your flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, like the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up the check-in and prevent confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

If you are at the airline ticket counter or gate, make sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any other accessories you may require like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage or if it will be transferred to the plane using an appropriate cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book a direct flight to minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between different locations.

When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment, just like checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair, just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a picture of it before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.