Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things to consider when traveling with powered chairs. Airport and airline staff will ask you many questions regarding the dimensions of your chair, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have this information ready before you go to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and stowed safely on planes. The FAA will approve them for air travel, and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll be able to navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or roads that are muddy. They could also have an exclusive power drive system that permits them to navigate in tight spaces, or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. It is essential to contact the airline in advance to ensure they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they can meet the requirements. Some airlines require you to arrive an hour before the departure time you have scheduled, which is important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and on an initial-come first-serve basis. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair because federal regulations require they be disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with a secure design to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance 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 proper handling of your equipment. They also request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient way to travel. They can be folded and are in line with airline standards for battery size and handling, as well as stowage. If you plan 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. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and give you the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you remove your wheelchair's battery for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and that it is safely stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you travel with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your number, and your wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may also want to think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure that proper stowage of your equipment is completed. Being earlier than that is even better if possible particularly during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This allows you to check in earlier and gives plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you with stowing your chair.
Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during your flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for the damages from the airline. Consider bringing along an extra cushion for your seat to make your flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Cushions for seats are essential for flights lasting over an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin, and will 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 compliance with rules and regulations, traveling with your power chair is attainable.
Before you book your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best way to check in your chair, whether it is at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the type of power chair you own It could be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it's important to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist airline here personnel handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, such as the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any removable accessories and ensure that all controls work before leaving for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging you a fee to stow assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for those who have disabilities, as it helps them avoid unnecessary costs.
After the plane has landed, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to slide in the aisle of the aircraft. You can then disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the closest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
Traveling with an electric wheelchair may seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adherence to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the thrill of exploring new destinations easily. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're uncomfortable in your chair, you will never be able to enjoy the freedom that traveling provides.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for those who have 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 airplane. Contact the airline ahead of time to inquire about their policy on power chairs, and to inquire about any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, so that you prepare it correctly to travel. Certain airlines might require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a doctor's note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your power chair. Some airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered part of your chair and place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and help avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Discuss your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be examining your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft using an adapted cart. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an express flight to reduce the number of times your device is moved between 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 prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, make sure you take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.