7 Tricks To Help Make The Maximum Use Of Your Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are a few aspects to take into consideration when traveling with an electric chair. Airport and airline staff will ask you a lot of questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.

Make sure you have all of this information at hand before you leave for the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.

What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA can approve them for air travel and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. Additionally they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or muddy roads. They could also be fitted with a patented drive system which allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.

The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the gates for boarding. However, it is essential to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those needs. Certain airlines require you to be at least an hour before your scheduled departure time This is crucial in busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and it's first come first served. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to taking electric wheelchairs or scooters on their flights. They also require that you check in an hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions as well as other useful information about your mobility chair or power scooter.

travel electric wheelchair that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and storage. If you plan to travel with the airline of your choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist in preparing your itinerary and give you the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed, and that it is placed upright.

Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your telephone number, and your wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it is stolen or mishandled on your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will help you remain in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.

Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. Being earlier than that is even better especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the airline representative to assist you in 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 give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for any damages. You should consider bringing a seat cushion to make your flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights lasting over an hour. They will reduce pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.

Check-In

The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be intimidating. However, with proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, traveling with your power chair is possible.

Talk to an airline representative before making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They'll be able to help you navigate in the right direction, regardless of whether you prefer to get your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it's advised to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it will be safely towed for your journey.

Depending on the model of your power chair, it may be necessary to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline personnel handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, including the owner's manual and warranty information. You should also remove any removable accessories and ensure that all controls work before leaving for the airport.

When you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs. This is a great feature for people with disabilities, since it allows them to save money.

Once the plane is in the air, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to fit down the aircraft aisle. You can then disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or at the gate.

It can be a bit daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new destinations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're uncomfortable in your chair, you will not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that traveling offers.

Check-Out

Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people who suffer from mobility issues. If you have a wheelchair or a scooter could make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's essential to follow the airline's policies regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to inquire about their policies and to get any questions answered.


Most airlines allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so provided it's prepared for travel. Certain airlines might require you to charge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a medical note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your electric chair. Certain airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered component of your chair and then place it in a case that is protected.

Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to departure. It's important to bring any documentation, like your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.

On arrival at the counter for tickets or gate, make sure to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Provide a description of your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may need like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be placing your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining it for stowage. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, make sure to make a direct flight which will cut down on the number of times your equipment will be transferred between various locations.

Once your wheelchair is on the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a photograph of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.