10 Unexpected Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Tips
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric WheelchairWhen traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are several things to take into consideration. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Be sure to have all these details in hand prior to you head to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that meet air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and safely stowed on airplanes. They usually have a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be tucked under the plane as checked luggage. They can also maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes, bricks or muddy roads. They could also have a patent-pending power drive system that enables them to move in tight spaces or lifts.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of your scheduled departure, which is especially important during busy 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. The space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be checked by the wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to taking an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also request that you check in an hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed for comfortable and safe travel. These chairs are designed to fold and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the latest details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety purposes and place it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is securely tucked away in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you travel with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your telephone number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You might also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that allow you to remain in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better if possible especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check in earlier and gives ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you leave to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your device is damaged during the heavy duty electric wheelchairs flight. This will give you leverage to seek compensation for any damages from the airline. You should consider bringing a seat cushion to make the flight as comfortable as you can. Seat cushions are especially important for flights lasting over an more info hour. They will reduce pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be daunting. Traveling with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Speak to an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to check-in your chair at the ticket counter or handicap chair electric at the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour prior to your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure it is safely stored for your journey.
Based on the power chair you have It may be necessary to disassemble it before it is transported. In this situation it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on the table to aid airline personnel handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, like 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 leave for the airport and also to ensure that all of the controls are working properly.
When you arrive at the airport your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, as it helps them save money.
A representative from the airline will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can be able to fit into the aircraft aisle when the plane arrives. Then, you will be able to get off the plane and your power wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as is possible or at the jet bridge or at the gate.
A trip with an electric wheelchair may seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adherence to guidelines, you can be able to experience the joy of exploring new locations without difficulty. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never be able to enjoy the freedom that traveling provides.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for people who have mobility problems. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow the guidelines of your airline for bringing and stowing your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policies and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines will allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines may require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some may require you to have a doctor's note in order to let you fly with your motorized chair. Some airlines may also demand that you remove the battery powered portion of your wheelchair, and then place it in a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours before your departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including your owner manual and any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid to the airport. This will make it easier for the check-in process and help avoid confusion about your mobility wheelchair electric airline's wheelchair policies.
If you are at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure you be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any other accessories you may require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask mobility wheelchair electric the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft using a specialized cart. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book a direct flight to minimize the number times your equipment is moved between different locations.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must capture a photo before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.