Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are many 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 to handle it.
Be sure to have these details in hand prior to you travel to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and stowed securely on airplanes. The FAA can approve them for use on flights and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes, roads that are muddy or brick. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending which allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the gates for boarding. It is crucial to contact the airline in advance to make sure they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Certain airlines require you to be at least one hour prior to your scheduled departure time, which is important during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. This space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before 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 personnel can obtain assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide an efficient and safe way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and stowage. 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. These representatives can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety. You can then put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and that it is safely stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you use, you may need to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, address, your telephone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will allow you to remain in your chair while you travel with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to help you stow your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to travel. This will serve as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in pursuing compensation for any damages from the airline. You should also think about bringing an extra cushion for your seat so that your journey is as comfortable as possible for you. Seat cushions are especially important when you travel for more than an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin, and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be a daunting task. Air travel with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Before you book 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 regardless of whether it's at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, it's recommended to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This gives the airline ample time to examine your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble it before it is transported. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline employees handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. You should also remove any accessories that are removable and check whether all controls function before you depart for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the airplane. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra for the stowing of assistive devices like electric chairs. This is a wonderful benefit for those with disabilities since it allows them to avoid unnecessary expenses.
A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can fit down the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the closest possible location to the aircraft door or at the jetbridge or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with right planning and following guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new places. The most important thing to remember is that if you are not comfortable in your chair, you will never be able to enjoy the freedom that travel provides.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers who have mobility issues. If you're traveling with an electric or wheelchair can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's essential to follow the airline's guidelines regarding bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact your airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policy and ask any questions.
Most airlines will allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared electric automatic wheelchair for travel. Some airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding and others will need a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with your power wheelchair. Some airlines will also require you to remove the battery-powered component of your chair and put it in a protective case.
Get to the airport at minimum two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to departure. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, including the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
On arrival at the ticket counter or gate, make certain to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Be sure to describe the kind of wheelchair you own and any accessories you require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline whether they will be storing your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for storage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an express flight to reduce the number of times your device is moved between locations.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair like they do with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to take a picture of it before you leave the airport and immediately inform the airline.