What To Do To Determine If You're Prepared For Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
What To Do To Determine If You're Prepared For 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 airline personnel will ask you many questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have all of these details in hand prior to you head to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for air travel, and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes, roads that are muddy or brick. They could also be equipped with a patented power drive system that permits them to navigate in tight spaces, or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to make sure they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet those needs. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your departure time This is particularly important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the wheelchair or scooter, since federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a safe design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request that you check in one hour prior to your flight so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you 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 mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are made for secure and comfortable travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and stowage. 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 help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Some airlines ask that you remove your wheelchair's battery for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed and that it is placed upright.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your telephone number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment in case it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If possible be there earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is particularly crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to arrive early and allows plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair before you travel. This can be used as proof in the event that your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline for any damages. You should consider bringing a seat cushion to make your flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Using a seat cushion is especially important for flights that last over an hour, as it will reduce the pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane is an intimidating experience. However, with proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, flying using your electric chair is possible.
Speak to an airline representative before making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check into your seat, 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 plenty of time to examine your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the type of power chair you own, it may be required to disassemble it prior to transport. In this situation it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the table to aid airline personnel who will handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any accessories that are removable and check that all controls are functioning before you depart for the airport.
Once you arrive at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is a wonderful benefit for passengers with disabilities, since it allows them to save money.
Once the plane is in the air at the airport, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to slide into the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the aircraft door, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
Traveling with an electric wheelchair can seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to the guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new places with ease. 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
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for those who have mobility issues. If you have an electric or wheelchair, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is essential to follow the airline's guidelines regarding bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair on your flight, as that you prepare it correctly to travel. Some airlines might require you to charge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a doctor's recommendation on file before they will allow you to fly using your electric chair. Some airlines will also require you to take apart the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair and place it in a protective case.
Make sure you arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to flight. Bring any documentation you might require to the airport, such as your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
Upon arriving at the counter for tickets or gate, make sure to clearly communicate your mobility requirements. Provide a description of your electric wheelchair heavy duty wheelchair and any other accessories you might require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for stowage. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an direct flight to cut down on the number times your equipment is moved between places.
When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment, just like checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, make sure you take a photograph before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.