Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many things you should consider when traveling with an electric chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle 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 compliant with air travel regulations.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for travel on planes and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. Additionally, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system that allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the gates for boarding. It is crucial to contact the airline in advance to ensure that they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they will be able to accommodate them. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure, which is especially important during busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their cabins for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. The space is limited and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour prior to 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 information regarding your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These power chairs can be folded and comply with airline standards for battery size, handling and stowage. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the most current details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals aren't exposed, and that it is placed upright.
Depending on the airline you fly with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event that it gets lost or is mishandled on your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will help you remain in your chair while you travel with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that small power chair proper stowage of your equipment is completed. Arriving earlier than this is even better if possible especially during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair before you travel. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for damages from the airline. You should also think about bringing an extra cushion for your seat, so that the flight is as comfortable as possible for you. A seat cushion is particularly important for flights that will last over an hour, as this will minimize pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be daunting. However, with proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, traveling with your power chair is possible.
Before you book 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, whether you prefer to get your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This gives the airline ample time to examine your equipment and ensure that it will be safely read more towed to be ready for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble it prior to transportation. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to help the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your electric powered wheelchairs chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any accessories that can be removed prior to when you travel to the airport, and to make sure all the controls are working properly.
Once you are at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the airplane. The airlines are prohibited from charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, since it allows them to avoid costly expenses.
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 into the aisle of the aircraft. After disembarking, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest 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 adherence to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new places without difficulty. It is essential to keep in mind that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it offers.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for those with mobility problems. If you're traveling with an electric or wheelchair, it can make your trip more enjoyable. However, it is important that you follow the airline's policies regarding bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, so provided you prepare it correctly to travel. Certain airlines might require you to charge the batteries before boarding, and some will need to have more info a medical note on file before they will allow you to fly using your electric chair. Some airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered part of your wheelchair, and then place it in an outdoor power chair enclosure that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours before the time of departure to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, including the owner's manual as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and can prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
On arrival at the counter for tickets or gate, make sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any other accessories you may require like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or examining it for stowage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book a direct flight to minimize the number times your equipment is moved between different locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo area along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair like they do with your luggage. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.