What Is Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
What Is Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to consider. The staff at the airport and the airline will inquire about your chair, its dimensions, battery type, and 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 comply with the air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and stowed safely on planes. The FAA can approve them for air travel and they can be stored in the airplane 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 drive system that is patent-pending that permits 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 ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your needs and confirm that they can meet those needs. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of the time of departure which is crucial during busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes that allows for the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is not large enough and is first come, first served. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair because federal regulations require they must be removed from the device unless the chair is equipped with a safe design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request to check-in one hour prior to your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These electric chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you are planning to travel with the airline of your choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in preparing your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed and it is stowed upright.
Based on your airline depending on your airline, you might be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information including your name address, address, phone number, and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it is lost or mishandled during your journey. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will help you remain in your chair while you travel with airport personnel and airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. Being earlier than that is even better particularly during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and allows the airline representative ample time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you leave, take a picture of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during your flight. This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline in case of damages. You should also think about bringing an extra cushion for your seat, so that the flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Seat cushions are especially important for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce the pressure on your skin, and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be a daunting task. However, with proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, air travel using your electric chair is possible.
Before you book 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 whether at here the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure it is safely stowed for your trip.
Depending on the kind of power chair you have, it may be required to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it is important to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to help the airline employees 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 accessories that can be removed prior to when you go to the airport, and to make sure all controls are working properly.
When you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra for stowing assistive devices such as power chairs. This is an excellent benefit for those with disabilities as it allows them to save money.
An airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can fit down the aisle of the aircraft when the plane arrives. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as is possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It might be difficult to here travel in an electric chair, but with proper planning and following the guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new places. The most important thing to remember is that if you here are uncomfortable in your chair, you'll never enjoy the freedom that travel provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people who have mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to your airline's policies for bringing and stowing your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact your airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it to travel. Some airlines require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will require a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with your electric wheelchair. Some airlines will also require you to disassemble the battery-powered component of your chair and put it in a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's important to bring any documentation, such as the owner's manual as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the check-in and prevent confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the airline ticket counter or gate, make sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Be sure to describe the kind of wheelchair you're using and any necessary accessories like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for storage. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book a direct flight to minimize the number of times your device is moved between locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment is damaged, you must capture a photo before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.