Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you numerous questions about your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.

Be sure to have all of this information at hand before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.

What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and stowed securely on airplanes. They will typically have an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. They will also be able navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes, roads that are muddy or brick. They could also be fitted with a patented drive system which allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will assist you with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate for boarding. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet your needs. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time, which is especially important during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited and is first come first served. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour before your flight, to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.

Safety

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed for comfortable and safe travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. 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 provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and then place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is safely stowed in a straight position.

Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment in case it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may want to buy aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to help you remain in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.

Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. Being earlier than that is even better especially 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 stowing your chair.

Before you travel to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will help you to seek compensation for damages from the airline. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make the trip as comfortable as possible. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights lasting over an hour. They will reduce pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be daunting. However, with the proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, air travel with your power chair is possible.

Before you book your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to help you navigate in the right direction, whether you prefer to get your seat at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, it is recommended that you arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and make sure that it will be stowed safely to be ready for your trip.

Based on the power chair you have It could be necessary to disassemble it before transportation. In this situation, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the go to help airline personnel handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, such as the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any accessories that can be removed prior to when you travel to the airport and also to ensure that all the controls are functioning properly.

Once you arrive at an 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 huge benefit for passengers with disabilities as it helps them avoid unnecessary costs.

After the plane has landed in the air, a representative from the airline will be capable of transferring you from bariatric electric wheelchair your powered wheelchair to one that is able to fit in the aisle of the aircraft. After disembarking, your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.

The idea of using an electric chair can be daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to guidelines, you can be able to experience the joy of exploring new places with ease. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're not comfortable in your chair, you'll never take advantage of the freedom that travel offers.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers who suffer from mobility problems. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it is important to follow your airline's policies for bringing and stowing your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline before your trip to inquire about their policies and to get any questions answered.

Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, so that you prepare it correctly to travel. Certain airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will need a doctor's letter to allow you to travel with your powered wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair and place it in a protective case.

When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you may require to the airport, including your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up check-in and prevent confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.

Upon arriving at the airline's ticket counter or at the gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. 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 will be storing your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for storage. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, you should try to make a direct flight which will cut down on the number of times your equipment is moved between various locations.

Once your wheelchair is on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your wheelchair or scooter, just as they would with your luggage. Take a picture of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.