Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things to consider when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and the airline will inquire about your chair, its dimensions, battery type, and how to use it.
Make sure you have this information prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and safely stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for travel on planes, and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. Additionally they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or muddy roads. They may also be equipped with a patented drive system that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the gates for boarding. It is essential to call the airline ahead of time to ensure they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they will be able to accommodate the requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your scheduled departure which is crucial during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes for the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request that you check-in an hour prior to your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so airport personnel can gather information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe way to travel. These chairs are designed to fold and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair 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 safely stored upright.
Depending on the airline you fly with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your phone number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event that it gets lost or is damaged during your travels. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to allow you to remain in your chair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. Being earlier than that is even better particularly during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you in stowing your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to travel. This can be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline for any damages. You should also think about bringing an extra cushion for your seat so that your journey is as comfortable as it can be for you. A seat cushion is particularly important for flights that will last more than an hour, since it reduces pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be a daunting task. However, with proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, flying with your power chair is feasible.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They'll be able to guide you in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to check-in your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it's recommended to arrive at least an hour before your flight. This gives the airline ample time to examine your equipment and ensure it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip.
Depending on your power chair It may be necessary for you to disassemble it before transportation. If this is the case, it's helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the airline employees handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair, like the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable accessories before you travel to the airport, and to make sure all of the controls are working properly.
Once you arrive at an airport, your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and then stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra fees for the stowing of assistive devices such as electric chairs. This is a huge benefit for people with disabilities since they can avoid costly expenses.
Once the plane is in the air in the air, a representative from the airline will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit into the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the thrill of exploring new places without difficulty. The most important thing to remember is that if you are not comfortable in your chair, you'll never be able to take advantage of the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for people who suffer from mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with small electric wheel chair a power chair, be sure to contact the airline before your trip to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines will allow you to take an electric wheelchair on your flight as you've prepared it for travel. Some airlines might require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some may require you to have a doctor's recommendation on file before they will let you fly with your electric chair. Some airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Get to the airport at least two hours before your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, such as the owner's manual as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid to the airport. This will make it easier for the process of checking in and will prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or gate, make sure to be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Discuss your wheelchair and any accessories you may require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for stowage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, try to make a direct flight which will cut down on the number of times your equipment will be transferred between different locations.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you additional fees for the storage of your wheelchair or scooter, the same way they would with your luggage. Take a photograph of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.