Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have these details in hand prior to you head to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that meet the requirements for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will approve them for use on flights and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. They can also move on rough surfaces like deceleration stripes, gravel, brick or muddy road. They may also have an exclusive power drive system that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline in advance to ensure that they are aware of any specific needs and to confirm that they can meet these requirements. Some airlines require you to arrive an hour before the departure time you have scheduled This is crucial 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 not large enough and is first come, first served. Federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be checked by the wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also request that you check in one hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are made for secure and comfortable travel. These electric chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines for battery size handling, stowage, and handling. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in planning your trip and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety. You can then put it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is secured in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your telephone number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it should become lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your chair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours prior to the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the airline representative ample time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to travel. This can be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for the damages from the airline. You should also consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat so that your journey is as comfortable as it can be for you. Seat cushions are especially important for flights lasting over an hour. They can reduce pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane is a daunting prospect. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is possible with the proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check in your chair, whether it is at the ticket counter or the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is recommended. This gives the airline ample time to inspect your equipment and make sure that 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 before transport. In this situation it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly hand to assist the airline personnel who will handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any accessories that can be removed prior to when you leave for the airport and also to ensure that all controls are functioning properly.
When you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and then stowed. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for people with disabilities click here since it allows them to avoid unnecessary costs.
An airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with right planning and following the rules you can have fun exploring new destinations. The most important thing to remember is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll not be able to fully take advantage of the freedom that travel provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be very stressful for those who have mobility issues. If you're traveling with a wheelchair or a scooter, it can make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it is important that you follow the airline's policies regarding taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline in advance to inquire about their policy on power chairs, and to inquire about any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, as that you prepare it properly for travel. Certain airlines might require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some will need to have a doctor's recommendation on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your power chair. Some airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered component of your wheelchair and place it in a case that is protected.
Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before flight. Bring any documentation you may require to the airport, such as your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will help speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
When you arrive at the ticket counter or gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may need like seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or if it will be transferred to the aircraft with an adapted cart. If you're transferring to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will minimize the number of times that your equipment will be transferred between locations.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.