Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are a few aspects to take into consideration when traveling with an electric chair. The airport staff and airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to use it.

Be sure to have these details in hand prior to you travel to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair electric scooter is equipped with "air safe" batteries that meet air travel regulations.

What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and safely stowed on airplanes. The FAA can approve them for use on flights, and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore, they will be able to move on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, brick or muddy roads. They may also have an exclusive power drive system that enables them to navigate in tight spaces, or elevators.

The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive at least an hour prior to your scheduled departure which is crucial during busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and it's first come, first serve. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair as federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to prevent unintentional activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring electric wheelchairs or scooters on their flights. They also request that you check-in an hour prior to your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your small power chair chair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer the most secure and comfortable way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold up and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These experts can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines will require you to remove your wheelchair's battery for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is securely tucked away in a straight position.

Depending on your airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following information: your name, address, phone number, and model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You might also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that allow you to remain in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.

Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If possible be there at least two hours earlier than the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you check in early and provides plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you in stowing your chair.

Take a picture of your wheelchair before you travel. This can be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make the flight as comfortable as you can. Seat cushions are especially important when you travel for more than an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin making it less prone to soreness.

Check-In

For those traveling using an approved airline electric power chair wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane is a daunting prospect. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is possible with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.

Speak to an airline representative prior to making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check in your chair whether at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In any case, it is recommended that you arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the kind of chair you own It could be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. In this case, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline personnel handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair, like the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any accessories that are removable and check that all controls work before leaving for the airport.

Once you arrive at the airport, your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra to store assistive devices, like power chairs. This is a great benefit for people who have disabilities, as they can avoid costly expenses.

Once the plane is in the air, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible location to the aircraft door, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.

A trip with an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to the guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new locations without difficulty. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not comfortable in your chair, you'll never enjoy the freedom that traveling affords.

Check-Out

Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be very stressful for those with mobility issues. If you're using mobility scooters or wheelchairs could make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's essential to follow the airline's policies regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. Contact the airline ahead of time to learn about their policies on power chairs and to inquire about any questions.

Most airlines will allow you to take an transportable electric wheelchair (Socialwebconsult link for more info) wheelchair on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines might require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a medical note on file before they will allow you to fly using your power chair. Some airlines will also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and put it inside a protective case.

Make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, such as your owner manual and any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and can help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.

If you are at the counter for tickets to airline or gate, be sure to explain your mobility needs clearly. Discuss your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may need, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft with an appropriate cart. 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.

Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair the same way they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must take a picture of it prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.