Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are a few things to consider when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.

Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.

What is an airline-approved electric powered wheelchairs wheelchair?

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and stowed securely on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for air travel, and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They can also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will assist you with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate for boarding. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet your needs. Certain 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 wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is not large enough, and it's first come, first served. The federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to stop accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check in an hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These power chairs are made to fold and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and stowage. 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 plans and provide you with the latest details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair for safety purposes and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is securely tucked away in an upright position.

Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your telephone number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it is lost or damaged during your trip. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.

Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. Being earlier than that is even better especially during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the airline representative plenty of time to help you stow 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 any damages. You should also consider bringing a seat cushion with you, so that the flight is as comfortable as possible for you. A seat cushion is particularly important for flights that last longer than an hour, because it will reduce the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be intimidating. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is achievable with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.

Before you book your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to help you navigate 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 1 hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip.

Based on the model of chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline personnel handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, like the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any removable accessories and make sure that all controls work before you depart for the airport.

Once you are at the airport your electric powered Wheelchairs for Sale wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the plane. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra fees for the stowing of assistive devices such as electric wheelchair chair chairs. This is a great benefit for passengers with disabilities since they can avoid costly expenses.

After the plane has landed, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to fit down the aircraft aisle. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as possible in either the jet bridge or at the gate.

It may seem daunting to travel in an cheap electric wheelchairs chair, but with the right planning and following the rules you will be able to enjoy exploring new destinations. The most important thing to remember is that if you're not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll never take advantage of the freedom that travel affords.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for those who have mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, however it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and ask any questions.

Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as provided you prepare it correctly to travel. Some airlines may require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a doctor's note on file before they will allow you to fly using your motorized chair. Certain airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered component of your chair and put it in a protective case.

When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours before your departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. Bring any documentation you might need to the airport, like your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will help speed up the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.

When you arrive at the airline's ticket counter or gate, make sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Explain your wheelchair and any other accessories you may require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or examining it for stowage. If you're transferring to the plane with your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the amount of times your equipment will be moved between various locations.

Once your wheelchair is in the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a picture of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.