Five Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Lessons From Professionals
Five Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Lessons From Professionals
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things you should consider when traveling with a powered chair. Airport and airline staff will ask you many questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have this information in your possession prior to you leave for the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for air travel and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. They will also be able move on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes, roads that are muddy or brick. They could also have an exclusive power drive system that enables them to move in tight spaces or lifts.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the gates for boarding. It is however important to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet those needs. Certain airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to your departure time which is essential in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and operates on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected in conjunction with the scooter or wheelchair, because federal regulations require they must be removed from the device unless the chair is equipped with a safe design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide an efficient and safe method of travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and storage. If you're planning to fly 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 in planning your trip and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety. You can then put it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is securely tucked away in an upright position.
Based on your airline depending on your airline, you might be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name address, number, and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it is lost or mishandled during your journey. You might also consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which help you remain in your wheelchair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better if possible especially during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of 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 give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for any damages. You should also consider bringing cushions for your seats electric wheelchair heavy duty to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce the pressure on your skin preventing soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be intimidating. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is feasible with right preparation and compliance with 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 method to check-in your chair, whether it is at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This gives the airline ample time to examine your equipment and ensure it will be safely towed for your journey.
Depending on your power chair It could be necessary for you to disassemble the chair prior to transport. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any accessories that can be removed prior to when you leave for the airport and also to ensure that all controls are functioning properly.
Once you are at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra for stowing assistive devices such as power chairs. This is an excellent benefit for passengers with disabilities, as it helps them save money.
A representative from the airline will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that will fit on the aisle of the aircraft once the plane arrives. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the closest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or at the gate.
Traveling with an electric wheelchair can seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to the guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new places easily. It is crucial to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you won't be able to travel with the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for people with mobility problems. If you have mobility scooters or wheelchairs can make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it's essential to follow the airline's guidelines regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. Contact the airline ahead of time to find out their policy on power chairs and to inquire about any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so you've prepared it for travel. Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will require a physician's letter to allow you to fly with a electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered component of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case.
Once you're at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's important 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 and prevent confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
If you are at the counter for tickets to airline or gate, make sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Discuss your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may need, such as seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for storage. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, make sure to make a direct flight which will cut down on the number of times that your equipment will be transferred between various locations.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you extra to store your scooter or wheelchair, like they do with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.