Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are several things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions, battery type, and how to handle it.

Be sure to have all of this information in your possession prior to you head to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.

What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?

25 stone capacity electric wheelchair wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. They can also navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes, roads that are muddy or brick. They could also be equipped with a patent-pending lightweight power chair drive system that permits them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.

Airlines will assist you for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. It is essential to contact the airline prior to your departure to make sure they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they are able to meet the requirements. Some airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to the departure time you have scheduled, which is important in busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and is first come, first serve. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when you bring 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 request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions as well as other useful information about your mobility chair or power scooter.

Safety

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are made for safe and convenient travel. These power chairs electric can be folded and comply with airline standards for battery size handling, stowage, and handling. 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 in planning your trip and give you the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions for assembly and disassembly. 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's terminals are not exposed and it is stowed upright.

Depending on the airline you use depending on your airline, you might be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name, address, phone number and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it gets lost or is mishandled on your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to assist you in staying in your chair while you travel with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.

It is recommended to arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that the proper storage of your equipment is done. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better if possible particularly during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to help you stow your chair.

Photograph your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for the damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring cushions for your seats, so that the flight is as relaxing as possible for you. Seat cushions are especially important for flights lasting over an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin and will prevent soreness.

Check-In

The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be daunting. Air travel with a power chair is possible with the right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.

Before booking your flight, talk to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you in the right direction, regardless of whether you prefer to make your seat at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and make sure that it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the model of your power chair, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it before it is transported. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist staff of the airline handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. You should also remove any removable accessories and check whether all controls function before you leave for the airport.

Once you arrive at the airport your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and stowed. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you a cost to store assistive devices like power wheelchairs. This is a wonderful benefit for those with disabilities since it allows them to save money.

When the plane lands, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can fit in the aisle of the aircraft. You will then be able to disembark, and your power wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as you can in either the jet bridge or at the gate.

The idea of using an electric mobility chairs for adults wheelchair can seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adherence to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new destinations easily. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never be able to enjoy the freedom that traveling affords.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. If you're traveling with mobility scooters or wheelchairs, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's important that you follow the airline's policies regarding taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline in advance to find out their policy on power chairs and to inquire about any questions.

Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it correctly to travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a physician's letter before they will allow you to fly with a power chair near me wheelchair. Some airlines will also require you to take apart the battery-powered component of your chair and put it in a case that is protected.

Once you're at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, such as your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up check-in and prevent confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

When you arrive at the counter for tickets or gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may need, such as seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for storage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchairs near me wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an direct flight to cut down on the amount of times your equipment is moved between places.

When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photo of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.