Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are several aspects to be considered. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you many questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that are compliant with the regulations for air travel.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and stowed securely on planes. They typically come with a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be tucked under the plane as checked luggage. They'll also be able to maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes, roads that are muddy or brick. They could also have an exclusive 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 until the gates for boarding. It is essential to contact the airline in advance to make sure they are aware of any specific needs and confirm that they can meet these requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to your scheduled departure time, which is important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin that can be used for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. The space is limited and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the wheelchair or scooter, because federal regulations require they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also request 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 assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient way to travel. These electric chairs can be folded and comply with airline standards for battery size and handling, as well as stowage. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain 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 battery's terminals aren't exposed, and that it is safely stored upright.
Depending on the airline you use or airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details such as your name address, address, phone number and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event that it is lost or mishandled on your trip. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will allow you to remain in your chair during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If you are able be there at least two hours earlier than the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair before you travel. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you the ability to seek compensation from the airline for any damages. You should also think about bringing an extra cushion for your seat to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. A seat cushion is particularly important for flights that will last more than an hour, since this will minimize pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be a daunting task. Traveling with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Speak to an airline representative prior to booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will be able to help you navigate 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 before your flight is suggested. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it is important to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions in order to aid the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. Also, remove any removable accessories and ensure that all controls work before you depart for the airport.
Once you arrive at the airport, your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and then stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge you extra to store assistive devices, like power chairs. This is a wonderful benefit for people with disabilities, since it allows them to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Once the plane is in the air at the airport, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to fit down the aircraft aisle. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with right planning and following guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new destinations. It is essential to keep in mind that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you will not be able to travel with the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts attendant controlled electric power wheelchair can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers who have mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it's essential to follow your airline's policies for bringing and stowing your chair on board the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact your airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as provided you prepare it correctly to travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a doctor's letter prior to allowing you to fly with a power wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in a protective case.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. It's important to bring any documentation, such as your owner manual and any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
When you reach the airline ticket counter or gate, be sure to be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be examining your wheelchair for stowage or if it will be transferred to the aircraft using an adapted cart. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book a direct flight to minimize the number times your equipment is moved between locations.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a photograph before you leave the airport and immediately inform the airline.