5 Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Lessons From Professionals
5 Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Lessons From Professionals
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are many things to consider. The staff at the airport and at the airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to use it.
Make sure you have this information ready before you go to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for use on flights and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system which allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the gates for boarding. It is however important to contact them prior to time to make sure they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet those needs. Some airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to your scheduled departure time This is crucial during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin 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 demand that all batteries added to the system be checked by the wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are specifically designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also request that you check-in an hour before your flight, so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to 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
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed for safe and convenient travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your travel itinerary and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety purposes and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals aren't exposed, and that it is safely stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you travel with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your telephone number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You may want to buy aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will assist you in staying in your chair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
You should always arrive at at least two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure that proper stowage of your equipment is completed. Arriving earlier than this is even better particularly during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the airline representative to assist you with stowing your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair before you travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for damages from the airline. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make your flight as comfortable as you possibly can. The use of a cushion for your seat is essential when you travel for more than an hour, since it will reduce the pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be intimidating. However, with proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, air travel using your electric chair is attainable.
Talk to an airline representative before making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best way to check in your chair, whether it is at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that it is properly and properly stored for your trip.
Depending on your power chair It may be necessary to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to help the staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, including the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off cheap electric wheelchairs any accessories that can be removed prior to when you leave for the airport and to ensure all of the controls are functioning properly.
When you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and then stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging you a fee to stow assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for passengers with disabilities since it allows them to avoid costly expenses.
An airline employee will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. You will then be able to board the plane, and your power wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as is possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric chair can be intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new destinations with ease. The most important thing to remember is that if not comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that traveling provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. If you have a wheelchair or a scooter can make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it's essential to follow the airline's guidelines for bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline ahead of time to find out their policy on power chairs, and to ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it properly for travel. Certain airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with a power wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered part of your wheelchair and place it in a protective case.
Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your departure. It's important to bring any documentation, including the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
If you are at the airline ticket counter or at the gate, be sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Explain your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be storing your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for stowage. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an express flight to reduce the number times your equipment is moved between locations.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment, just like checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra to store your scooter or wheelchair, like they do with your luggage. Take a photograph of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.