Your Family Will Thank You For Having This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Your Family Will Thank You For Having This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are several things to consider. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have all this information at hand before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that comply with the requirements for air travel.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and safely stowed on airplanes. They will typically have an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. They can also navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes brick or muddy road. They could also have a patent-pending power drive system that allows them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.
Airlines will assist you with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the boarding gate. However, it is essential to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet your needs. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure which is crucial during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and it's first come, first served. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are specifically designed 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 before your flight so they can 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 have been approved by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe way to travel. They can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. If you plan to travel with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the latest information on battery requirements. They can also provide assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines require you to remove your wheelchair's battery to ensure safety 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 stored upright.
Depending on the airline you use depending on your airline, you might be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information such as your name address, number and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You may want to buy aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will allow you to remain in your chair during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at at two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that the proper storage of your equipment is done. Arriving earlier than this is even better particularly during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you in stowing your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair before you travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you leverage in obtaining compensation for any damages from the airline. You should also think about bringing a seat cushion with you so that your journey is as comfortable as possible for you. Cushions for seats are essential for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce the pressure on your skin preventing soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling using an approved airline electric wheelchair, getting on a plane could be an overwhelming experience. Air travel with a power chair is achievable with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Contact an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the right direction, regardless of whether you prefer to check-in your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it's advised to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to it is transported. In this case it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on the table to aid airline personnel handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, like the owner's manual or warranty information. You should also remove any accessories that are removable and make sure that all controls work before leaving for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra to store assistive devices, like power chairs. This is an excellent benefit for passengers with disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.
When the plane lands at the airport, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your power wheelchair to one that is able to slide down the aircraft aisle. After disembarking, your wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
Traveling with an electric chair can be daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new places without difficulty. It is crucial to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it offers.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for passengers with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to inquire about their policy and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it click here correctly to travel. Some airlines require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a doctor's letter to allow you to travel with your power wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered component of your chair and then place it in a case that is protected.
Make sure you arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. It's important to bring any documentation, including your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will make it easier for the process of checking in and will prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
On arrival at the airline's ticket counter or gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any accessories you 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 with an appropriate cart. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an direct flight to cut down on the amount of times your equipment is moved between locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo area along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair the same way they would with your luggage. Take a photograph of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.