Your Family Will Be Thankful For Getting This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Your Family Will Be Thankful For Getting This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. The airport staff and at the airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to use it.
Be sure to have this information at hand before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that meet the requirements for air travel.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. They usually have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel and can be stored under the plane as checked luggage. Additionally, they will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or roads that are muddy. They may also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. However, it is important to contact them prior to time to make sure they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet your needs. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before the departure time you have scheduled which is essential in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes that allows for the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. The federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require that you check in one hour before your flight so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions as well as other useful details about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure comfortable and safe travel. These electric chairs can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline standards for battery size handling, stowage, and handling. 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 assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines will require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way to ensure safety and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed, and it is stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you use or airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name address, address, phone number and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to assist you in staying 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 departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. Arriving earlier than this is even better particularly during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This lets you check in earlier and gives ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.
Before you leave to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for any damages. You should also consider bringing a seat cushion with you so that your journey is as relaxing as possible for you. Cushions for seats are essential for flights lasting over an hour. They can reduce pressure on your skin, and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane could be an intimidating experience. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is achievable with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Talk to an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check-in your chair regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or the gate. In any case, it is recommended that you arrive at least one hour before your flight. This gives the airline ample time to examine your equipment and make sure that it is safely stored for your journey.
Depending on the type of chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the here case, it is important to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the airline employees handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair, like the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any accessories that can be removed prior to when you leave for the airport and to ensure all of the controls are functioning properly.
Once you are at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the plane. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional fee to stow assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for passengers with disabilities as they can avoid unnecessary costs.
An airline employee can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can fit down the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. After disembarking, your wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new destinations. It is important to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it provides.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for people with mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding bringing and stowing your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your travels to inquire about their policies and get any questions answered.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it correctly for travel. Some airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will require a doctor's letter before they will allow you to travel with your power wheelchair. Some airlines may also demand that you take down the battery-powered portion of your chair and place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. Bring any documentation you may need to the airport, including your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will make it easier for the check-in process and make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
If you are at the airline ticket counter or gate, make sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you own and any accessories you require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be storing your wheelchair in a specific cart or examining it for storage. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book a direct flight to minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between places.
When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to capture a photo before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.