Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to take into consideration. The airport staff and airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to handle it.
Make sure you have this information ready before you go to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with the air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and safely stowed on airplanes. The FAA can approve them for travel on planes, and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore, they will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or roads that are muddy. They can also be equipped with a unique drive system that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to make sure they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet your needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time, which is important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is not large enough and is first come first served. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair, since federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a secure design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check in an hour before your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so airport personnel can gather information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information regarding your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed for secure and comfortable travel. These power chairs can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline standards for battery size and handling, as well as stowage. If you are 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 itinerary and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. 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 to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed, and that it is safely stored upright.
Based on your airline or airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details including your name address, address, phone number and model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment in case it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to help you remain in your chair during transfers with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours before your departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the airline representative ample time to help you stow your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair before you travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you to seek compensation for damages from the airline. You should consider bringing cushions to make your flight as comfortable as you can. Using a seat cushion is particularly important for flights that last over an hour, as it reduces the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be daunting. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is achievable with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Contact an airline representative prior to booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check-in your chair whether at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In any case, it is recommended that you arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and ensure it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the model of your power chair, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair prior to it is transported. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline personnel handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair, including the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable accessories before you leave for the airport and to ensure all the 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. The airlines are not allowed to charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices, such as power check here wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for people with disabilities as it allows them to avoid unnecessary costs.
An airline employee will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that will fit on the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
A trip with an electric chair can be intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to the guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the thrill of exploring new places easily. The most important thing to remember is that if not comfortable in your chair, you'll never enjoy the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for those who have mobility problems. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow the policies of your airline regarding bringing and stowing your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your travels to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.
Many airlines will allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines require that you charge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a physician's letter to allow you to travel with your power wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in a case that is protected.
Once you're at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, such as your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and can help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
When you reach the counter for tickets to airline or gate, be sure to communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you own and any other accessories you may require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for stowage. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, try to take a direct flight which will reduce the number of times your equipment will be moved between various locations.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.