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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are many things you should consider when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and the airline will inquire about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to use it.

Make sure you have all of these details in hand prior to you leave for the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with the 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. They will typically have an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stowed underneath the plane as checked luggage. Furthermore, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or roads that are muddy. They could also have a patented power drive system that permits them to navigate in tight spaces, or elevators.

The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to make sure they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet your needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive one hour prior to your scheduled departure time, which is important in busy 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 serve. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the wheelchair or scooter, since federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a secure design to stop accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask that you check in one hour before your flight so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information about your mobility chair or power scooter.

Safety

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed for secure and comfortable travel. These power chairs can be folded and are in line with airline standards for battery size handling, stowage, and handling. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These experts can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the latest information on battery requirements. They can also provide you with instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety purposes and place it into a carryon bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is secured in a straight position.

Depending on the airline you fly with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You may also consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which help you remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airline and airport personnel.

Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If you can you can arrive at least two hours earlier than your scheduled departure time. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to arrive early and allows ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with the stowing of your chair.

Photograph your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you the leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for damages. It is also advisable to bring a seat cushion with you so that your journey is as comfortable as possible for you. Using a seat cushion is essential when you travel for over an hour, as it will reduce pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.

Check-In

The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be daunting. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is possible with the right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.





Before booking your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best way to check-in your chair whether at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it's recommended to arrive at least an hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and make sure that it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the kind of power chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this instance it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on the go to help airline personnel who will handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable items prior to you leave for the airport, and to make sure all the controls are in working order.

Once you are at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. My Mobility Scooters are not permitted to charge extra to store assistive devices, like electric chairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.

After the plane has landed in the air, a representative from the airline will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit down the aircraft aisle. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.

It may seem daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with the right planning and following the rules, you can enjoy exploring new locations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're uncomfortable in your chair, you will never be able to enjoy the freedom that traveling offers.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for people who have mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow your airline's policies for bringing and stowing your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.

Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, as provided you prepare it to travel. Some airlines may require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a doctor's note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your power chair. Some airlines will also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and put it in a case that is protected.

Get to the airport at least 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, including your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in and prevent confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

When you reach the counter for tickets to airline or gate, make sure to communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Discuss your wheelchair and any other accessories you might require for example, seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for stowage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an direct flight to cut down on the number of times your device is moved between locations.

After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo area along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you extra to store your scooter or wheelchair, the same way they would with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to capture a photo prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.