Your Family Will Thank You For Getting This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are several aspects to be considered. The airport staff and the airline will inquire about your chair, its dimensions, battery type, and how to handle it.

Make sure you have all of this information at hand before you leave for the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that are compliant with the requirements for air travel.

What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. They typically come with a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be tucked under the plane as checked luggage. They can also navigate on rough surfaces like deceleration stripes, gravel, brick or muddy road. They may also be equipped with a patented drive system which allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter to the boarding gate. It is essential to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any special requirements and to confirm that they can meet them. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of your scheduled departure, which is especially important during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes that allows for the stowage of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and operates on an initial-come first-serve basis. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the scooter or wheelchair, as federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a secure design to stop accidental activation.

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

Safety

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed for secure and comfortable travel. These power chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines for battery size handling, stowage, and handling. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you take the wheelchair's battery out of the way to ensure safety and 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 an upright position.

Depending on the airline you fly with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your phone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case 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, that help you remain in your wheelchair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.

You should arrive at at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and allows the airline representative plenty of time to assist you in 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 leverage in obtaining compensation for the damages from the airline. You should also consider bringing cushions for your seats, so that the flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. Using a seat cushion is especially important for flights that will last more than an hour, since it will reduce the pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.

Check-In

If you are traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, the process of boarding a plane can be an intimidating experience. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is possible with the proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.

Before booking your flight, talk to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best way to check into your seat regardless of whether it's at the counter for tickets or the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and ensure it will be stowed safely to be ready for your trip.

Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary to disassemble it before transportation. In this case, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly hand to assist the airline employees who handle your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, like the owner's manual as well as warranty information. Also, remove any accessories that are removable and check that all controls work before you leave for the airport.

When you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and then stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra for the stowing of assistive devices like electric chairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, because it can help them avoid costly expenses.

An airline employee will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can be able to fit into the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. After disembarking, your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the aircraft door or at the jetbridge or at the gate.

It can be a bit daunting to travel with an electric chair, motorized wheelchair but with the right planning and following the rules you can have fun exploring new locations. It is important to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to travel with the freedom it provides.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for those who have mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, but it is important to follow your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on the airplane. Contact the airline ahead of time to find out their policy regarding power chairs and to ask any questions.

Many airlines will allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight as you've prepared it for travel. Certain airlines may require you to charge the batteries before boarding, and some will need to have a medical note in order to allow you to fly using your motorized chair. Some airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in a case that is protected.

Make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your departure. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, like your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up check-in and prevent confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

When you reach the airline ticket counter or gate, make sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you own and any other accessories you may require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a specific cart or examining it for storage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your cheapest electric wheelchairs wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the number of times that your equipment will be transferred between locations.

When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair, like they do with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, make sure you take a photograph before leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.