Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

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

Make sure you have this information ready prior to your trip to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that are compliant 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. They usually have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stowed underneath the plane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes brick or muddy road. They may also be equipped with a unique drive system that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.

The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the gates for boarding. It is however important to contact them prior to time to make sure they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure, which is especially important during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and on an initial-come first-serve basis. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected in conjunction with the scooter or wheelchair as federal regulations require that they must be removed from the device unless it is equipped with a safe design to prevent accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so airport personnel can gather assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information regarding your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to offer the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These power chairs are made to fold up and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the latest details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair for safety purposes and place it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is securely tucked away in a straight position.

Based on your airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information: your name address, address, phone number and model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it is lost or damaged during your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to assist you in staying in your chair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.

You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. If possible, arrive earlier than two hours prior to your departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.

Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This can be used as proof in the event that your power chairs uk device is damaged on the flight. This will give you the ability to seek compensation from the airline for damages. It is also advisable to bring a seat cushion with you, 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 can reduce the pressure on your skin preventing soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be intimidating. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is possible with the proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.

Before you book your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can electric power chair 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, arriving one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip.

Based on the power chair you have It may be necessary for you to disassemble it before it is transported. In this instance it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the table to aid airline personnel handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, including the owner's manual as well as warranty information. You should also remove any accessories that are removable and check that all controls work before you leave for the airport.

When you arrive at the airport, your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and then stowed. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you a cost to store assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is a electric powered wheelchairs wonderful benefit for passengers with disabilities, since it allows them to save money.

When the plane lands, an airline employee heavy duty electric wheelchair uk will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit in the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.

It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new destinations. It is crucial to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair, you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it affords.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for people with mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on board the plane. Contact the airline ahead of time to inquire about their policy regarding power chairs and to inquire about any questions.

Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair on your flight, so provided you prepare it correctly for travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to fly with a electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also demand that you remove the battery-powered part of your chair and place it in a case that is safe.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to departure. Bring any documentation you may need to the airport, like your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will make it easier for the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.

When you reach the counter for tickets to airline or gate, be sure to communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Explain the kind of wheelchair you're using and any other accessories you may require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or whether it will be transported to the aircraft with an appropriate cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to take a direct flight which will cut down on the number of times your equipment will be transferred read more between locations.

After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a picture of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.