Why Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Is More Difficult Than You Think Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are several things to consider when traveling with powered chairs. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you many questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.

Make sure you have this information ready prior to your trip to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that meet the regulations for air travel.

What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for air travel, and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They could also be equipped with a patent-pending power drive system that permits them to move in tight spaces or lifts.


Airlines will provide assistance with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate to board. It is however important to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet your needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time This is crucial during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. The space is not large enough and it's first come, first serve. The federal regulations also demand that all batteries added to the system be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require that you check in one hour before your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful information about your mobility chair or power scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide an efficient and safe way to travel. These chairs are designed to fold up and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you're planning to travel with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way to ensure safety and put it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in a straight position.

Depending on the airline you fly with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your telephone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it gets lost or is damaged during your travels. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your chair while you travel with airport personnel and airline personnel.

Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. Being earlier than that is even better particularly during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This lets you check in early and provides plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you in stowing your chair.

Before you travel, take a picture of your wheelchair to use 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 for damages. It is also advisable to bring cushions for your seats so that your journey is as comfortable as it can be for you. A seat cushion is especially important for flights that last more than an hour, since it will reduce pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be daunting. But, with the right preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, traveling with a power chair is feasible.

Contact an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check into your seat whether at the ticket counter or the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it's safely stowed to be ready for your trip.

Depending on your power chair It may be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to it is transported. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist airline employees handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. Also, remove any removable accessories and make sure whether all controls function before leaving for the airport.

Once you are at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are prohibited from charging an additional cost to store assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, because it can help them avoid unnecessary expenses.

After the plane has landed, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can fit in the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or at the gate.

The idea of using an electric chair can be intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new destinations without difficulty. It is important to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to travel with the freedom it affords.

Check-Out

Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be extremely stressful for people who suffer from mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to inquire about their policy on power chairs, and to inquire about any questions.

Many airlines will allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your trip as you've prepared it for travel. Some airlines require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding and others will need a doctor's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your powered wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you take down the battery powered portion of your wheelchair, and place it into a protective case.

Make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, like your owner manual and any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and can prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.

If you are at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Explain the kind of wheelchair you're using and any necessary accessories, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or whether it will be transported to the aircraft using a specialized cart. If hop over to this website transferring to the plane with your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the number of times your equipment will be moved between locations.

When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photo of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.