Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are a few aspects to be considered. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how it should be handled.

Make sure you have this information prepared before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.

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 will allow them to be used for travel on planes and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate to board. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to make sure they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet your needs. Some airlines require you to be at least an hour before your scheduled departure time which is essential during busy travel periods.

Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin that can be used for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. This space is limited and operated on an initial-come first-serve basis. The federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be checked by the wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to prevent accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to bringing an electric wheel chairs for sale near me scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to your flight so they can 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

electric wheelchair To Buy wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to offer the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These power chairs for disabled chairs can be folded and are in line with airline standards for battery size, handling and stowage. If you plan to travel with your airline of preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed, and that it is safely stowed upright.

Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also want to look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that help you remain in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.

You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. Arriving earlier than this is even better, especially during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and gives the airline representative ample time to assist you in stowing your chair.

Before you travel, take a picture of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make the flight as comfortable as you possibly can. A seat cushion is essential for flights that last over an hour, as it reduces pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.

Check-In

For those traveling with an airline approved lightest electric wheelchair wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane is an overwhelming experience. However, with the proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, flying with a power chair is feasible.

Contact an airline representative prior to making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They'll be able to guide you in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to check-in your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it's safely stowed to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the kind of power chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. In this case, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly hand to assist the airline personnel who will handle your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable items prior to you travel to the airport, and to make sure all controls are functioning properly.

Once you arrive at the airport the electric power chairs for sale chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge you extra for stowing assistive devices such as power chairs. This is a great feature for those with disabilities as it helps them save money.

A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that will fit on the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. You can then disembark and your wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.

It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with right planning and following the rules you can have fun exploring new destinations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that traveling provides.

Check-Out

Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for those who have mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair on board the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact the airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and to get any questions answered.

Most airlines will allow passengers to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your trip as you've prepared it for travel. Certain airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a doctor's letter prior to allowing you to fly with your electric lightweight wheelchair wheelchair. Some airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered part of your chair and place it into a case that is safe.

Get to the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your flight. It's important 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 help speed up the check-in process and can help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.

When you reach the airline ticket counter or at the gate, be sure you be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Discuss your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require like seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage or the possibility of transferring it to the plane using an adapted cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, you should try to make a direct flight which will reduce the number of times that your equipment is moved between locations.

After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a photograph of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.