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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are many things you should consider when traveling with a powered chair. Airport and airline staff will ask you a lot of questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how it should be handled.

Be sure to have all of these details in hand prior to you travel to 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?

Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stowed on planes. They will typically have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel and can be tucked under the plane as checked luggage. Furthermore, they will be able to move on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or muddy roads. They may also have a patent-pending 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 important to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure which is crucial in busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin that can be used for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. The space is limited and operates on an initial-come first-serve basis. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected in conjunction with the scooter or wheelchair because federal regulations require they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to stop accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask to check-in one hour before your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so airport personnel can gather assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information regarding your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide an efficient and safe way to travel. These electric chairs can be folded and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and that it is placed upright.

Based on your airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information including your name, address, phone number and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it gets lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also want to think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will help you remain in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.

You should always arrive at at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that the proper storage of your equipment is completed. If possible be there earlier than two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you check-in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you with stowing your chair.

Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to travel. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you the leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing a seat cushion to make the flight as comfortable as you possibly can. electric wheelchair power chair are particularly important for flights lasting over an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin making it less prone to soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can be daunting. Traveling with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.





Speak to an airline representative prior to making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best way to check in your chair, whether it is at the ticket counter or the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely stowed to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the type of chair you own It may be required to disassemble it prior to transport. In this instance it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the table to aid airline employees who handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as 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 an airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging you a fee to stow assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for those with disabilities as it allows them to avoid unnecessary costs.

After the plane has landed in the air, a representative from the airline will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to slide into the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you will be able to get off the plane and your wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as is possible in either the jet bridge or at the gate.

The idea of using an electric chair can be daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to the guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new destinations easily. 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 provides.

Check-Out

Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for those with mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, however it's important to adhere to the guidelines of your airline for the transportation and storage of your chair on board the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to find out their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions.

Most airlines will let you bring an electric chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it to travel. Some airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a doctor's letter before they will allow you to travel with your powered wheelchair. Some airlines may also demand that you disassemble the battery powered portion of your wheelchair, and then place it in a case that is safe.

Get to the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to departure. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, like the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, 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 wheelchair.

When you arrive at the counter for tickets or gate, make sure to clearly communicate your mobility requirements. Discuss your wheelchair and any accessories you may require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or whether it will be transported to the plane using an appropriate cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, try to take a direct flight which will reduce the number of times that your equipment will be transferred between various locations.

After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo area along with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photo of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.