What Experts From The Field Want You To Know Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are several aspects to take into consideration when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions, battery type, and how to use it.

Make sure you have these details 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 typically come with an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stowed underneath the plane as checked luggage. They will also be able move on rough surfaces, such as deceleration stripes, gravel, bricks or muddy roads. They may also have a patent-pending power drive system that enables them to move in tight spaces or elevators.

The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure they are aware of any specific needs and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate them. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of your departure time, which is especially important in busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their cabins for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. The space is limited and on an initial-come first-serve basis. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.


United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask to check-in one hour before your flight to ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful details about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure safe and convenient travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and it is stored upright.

Based on your airline or airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details such as your name address, number and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is lost or mishandled during your journey. You may want to buy aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will allow you to remain in your chair while you travel with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.

Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. Arriving earlier than this is even better particularly during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and allows the airline representative ample time to assist you in stowing your chair.

Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in obtaining compensation for any damages from the airline. You should consider bringing cushions to make the flight as comfortable as possible. Using a seat cushion is particularly important for flights that last more than an hour, since it will reduce the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.

Check-In

The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be a daunting task. Air travel with a power chair is possible with the proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.

Speak to an airline representative prior to booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will be able to help you navigate in the right direction, regardless of whether you prefer to make your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely for your trip.

Depending on the kind of power chair you own It could be required 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 employees handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, such as the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any accessories that can be removed prior to when you go to the airport and also to ensure that all the controls are working properly.

When you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are not allowed to charging an additional cost to store assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a wonderful benefit for those with disabilities because it can help them avoid unnecessary expenses.

After MyMobilityScooters has landed, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to one that is able to slide into the aisle of the aircraft. After disembarking, your wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.

Traveling with an electric wheelchair can seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to the guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the thrill of exploring new places easily. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never enjoy the freedom that travel provides.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for people with mobility problems. If you have mobility scooters or wheelchairs, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is essential to follow the airline's guidelines regarding bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and to get any questions answered.

Most airlines allow passengers to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your trip as you've prepared it for travel. Certain airlines might require you to charge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a doctor's recommendation on file before they will allow you to fly using your electric chair. Some airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered part of your chair and put it in a protective case.

When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. Bring any documents you need to the airport, like your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in and prevent confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

When you reach the airline ticket counter or at the gate, be sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Discuss your wheelchair and any accessories you might require for example, seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for storage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book a direct flight to minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between locations.

Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo area along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair, just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to capture a photo before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.