A Look At The Myths And Facts Behind Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric WheelchairWhen traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to consider. The staff at the airport and the airline will inquire about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to use it.
Make sure you have this information ready prior to your trip to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that comply with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes, and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. They will also be able maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes, roads that are muddy or brick. They may also have a patented power drive system that allows them to move in tight spaces or lifts.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the gates for boarding. However, it is important to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your scheduled departure, which is especially important during busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough and is first come, first serve. The federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when you bring electric wheelchairs or scooters aboard their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to your flight time so that they can ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable way to travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold up and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and storage. If you're planning to fly with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair for safety purposes and place it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is securely tucked away in a straight position.
Based on your airline depending on your airline, you might be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details such as your name, address, phone number, and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it should become lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will help you remain in your chair while you travel with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at at two hours before the departure time you have scheduled to ensure proper stowage of your equipment is completed. If you can, arrive earlier than two hours before your departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the airline representative ample time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged on the flight. This will help you to seek compensation for the damages from the airline. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make the flight as comfortable as possible. The use of a cushion for your seat is especially important for flights that last longer than an hour, because this will minimize pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can be a daunting task. However, with proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, traveling with a power chair is possible.
Before you book your flight, speak to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the right direction, regardless of whether you prefer to get your seat at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that it's safely stowed to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the kind of chair you own It may be required to disassemble it prior to transport. In this case it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to assist the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any accessories that are removable and make sure whether all controls function 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. Airlines are not allowed to charge you extra to store assistive devices, such as power chairs. This is an excellent benefit for those who have disabilities, as they can avoid costly expenses.
After the plane has landed in the air, a representative from the airline will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to slide in the aisle of the aircraft. You can then disembark and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or at the gate.
A trip with an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to the guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the thrill of exploring new places without difficulty. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if uncomfortable 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 who have mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, however it is important to follow the guidelines of your airline for the transportation and storage of your chair on the airplane. Contact the airline ahead of time to find out their policy regarding power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your flight as you've prepared it for travel. Some airlines may require you to recharge the batteries before boarding, and some will need to have a doctor's recommendation on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your power chair. Some airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and put it in a protective case.
Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your departure. It's recommended 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 avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
On arrival at the airline's ticket counter or at the gate, be sure 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 examining your wheelchair for stowage or if it will be transferred to the aircraft using a specialized cart. If you're transferring to the plane with your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the electric bariatric wheelchair number of times your equipment is moved between different locations.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra to store your scooter or wheelchair, just as they would with your luggage. Take a photograph of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.