Five Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Lessons Learned From Professionals
Five Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Lessons Learned From Professionals
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things you should consider when traveling with an electric chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you many questions regarding the dimensions of your chair, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have these details ready before you go to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines can be safely transported and stowed on planes. They typically come with non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stowed underneath the plane as checked luggage. Furthermore they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, brick or muddy roads. They may also be equipped with a patented drive system that allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the boarding gate. It is crucial to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any specific needs and confirm that they can meet the requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time which is essential during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. This space is limited and on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected in conjunction with the scooter or wheelchair, as federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with a safe design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also require to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight to ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed for comfortable and safe travel. These chairs are designed to fold and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your trip and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines ask that you remove your wheelchair's battery for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed and that it is stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your phone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may also consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If you can be there earlier than two hours prior to your departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you check-in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This serves as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you the ability to seek compensation from the airline for any damages. You should also consider bringing a seat cushion with you, so that the flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Using a seat cushion is especially important when you travel for longer than an hour, because it reduces pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane could be a daunting prospect. Traveling with a power 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 find out more about their policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check into your seat regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it's advised to arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the kind of chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this instance it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the go to help airline employees who handle your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, such as the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any accessories that can be removed prior to when you travel here to the airport and to ensure all controls are functioning properly.
When you arrive at an airport, your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra to store assistive devices, like power chairs. This is a great benefit for people with disabilities as it helps them avoid unnecessary costs.
Once the plane is in the air, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle. Then, you will be able to get off the plane and your wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as you can in either the jet bridge or at the gate.
A trip with an electric chair can be daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to the guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the thrill of exploring new places easily. It is important to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to travel with the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for people who suffer from mobility problems. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, but it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on the airplane. Contact the airline prior to departure to find out their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, so provided you prepare it to travel. Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will require a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with a power wheelchair. Some airlines will also require you to disassemble the battery-powered component of your wheelchair and place it in a protective case.
Once you're at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documents you need to the airport, including your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid. This will help speed up the check-in process and can make sure that there is no confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
When you reach the airline ticket counter or at the gate, be sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you own and any accessories you require, such as cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage or if it will be transferred to the aircraft with an adapted cart. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an direct flight to cut down on the number times your equipment is moved between locations.
Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment with other checked luggage. 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. Take a photo of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.