Your Family Will Thank You For Getting This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Your Family Will Thank You For Getting This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things you should consider when traveling with an electric chair. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you many questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type as well as how to handle it.
Be sure to have all of these details in hand prior to you head to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "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 those that can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA can approve them for use on flights and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. They will also be able navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes, brick or muddy road. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending which allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline in advance to ensure that they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they can meet these requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your departure time, which is important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes for the stowage and storage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited, and it's first come, first serve. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour before your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get 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 comfortable and safe travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals aren't exposed, and that it is stowed upright.
Depending on your airline or airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following information: your name address, number and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is lost or mishandled on your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will allow you to remain in your seat during transfers with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is particularly important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the wheelchair with electric motor airline representative to assist you with stowing your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you leverage in pursuing compensation for any damages from the airline. Consider bringing along an extra cushion for your seat to make the flight as comfortable as you travel electric wheelchair possibly can. A seat cushion is especially important for flights that last more than an hour, since this will minimize the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling using an approved airline electric wheelchair, boarding a plane can be an intimidating experience. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is possible with the proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Before booking your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you in the best direction, regardless of whether you prefer to get your chair at the ticket counter or at the carer controlled electric wheelchair gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time small electric wheel chair to inspect your equipment and ensure that it will be safely towed for your journey.
Based on the model of power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this situation it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline personnel who will handle your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, like the owner's manual or warranty information. You should also take off any removable items and check that all controls are functioning before leaving for the airport.
Once you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and then stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices like power wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for people with disabilities since it allows them to avoid costly expenses.
When the plane lands at the airport, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit down the aircraft aisle. You can then disembark and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with the proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new locations. The most important thing to remember is that if you're uncomfortable in your chair, you will never take advantage of the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for people with mobility issues. If you have a wheelchair or a scooter, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's important that you follow the airline's guidelines for the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines will allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines might require you to recharge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a doctor's recommendation on file prior to being able to let you fly with your power chair. Some airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered component of your chair and put it inside a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours before your departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you may need to the airport, like your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid. This will speed up check-in process and help avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
When you reach the counter for tickets to airline or gate, be sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Be sure to describe the kind of wheelchair you're using and any other accessories you may require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage or the possibility of transferring it to the plane using an adapted cart. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an direct flight to cut down on the amount of times your equipment is moved between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment, just like checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your wheelchair or scooter, like they do with your luggage. If electric wheelchair to buy your equipment arrives damaged, make sure you capture a photo before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.