How To Determine If You're At The Right Level For Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are a few things to consider when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to use it.

Be sure to have all of this information in your possession prior to you head to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.

What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and stowed safely on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for use on flights and they can be stowed under the plane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to move on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system that 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 boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure that they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet them. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of your scheduled departure which is crucial during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough and is first come, first serve. The federal regulations also demand that all batteries added to the system be checked by the wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also request that you check in one hour prior to your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful information regarding your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.

Safety

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are made for comfortable and safe travel. These electric chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you're planning to fly with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety 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 safely stored upright.

Based on your airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name address, number, and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it is stolen or mishandled during your journey. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will allow you to remain in your seat during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.

You should arrive at at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours before your scheduled departure time. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This lets you check in early and provides plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair.

Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your device is damaged during your flight. This will give you the ability to seek compensation from the airline for any damages. Consider bringing along an extra cushion for your seat to make the trip as comfortable as you possibly can. The use of a cushion for your seat is essential when you travel for longer than an hour, because it reduces pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.

Check-In

For those traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane is an scooters electric wheelchairs overwhelming experience. Air travel with a power chair is possible with the right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.

Talk to an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check into your seat regardless of whether it's at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it's safely and properly stored to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the type of chair you own It may be necessary to disassemble the chair for here transport. If this is the case, it's helpful to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions in order to aid the airline personnel handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, including get more info the owner's manual as well as warranty information. Also, remove any accessories that are removable and ensure that all controls work before you leave for the airport.

Once you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and then stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge you extra for the stowing of assistive devices like power chairs. This is a great benefit for people with disabilities as it helps them save money.

A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft once the plane arrives. After disembarking, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.

It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with the proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new places. It is crucial to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to travel with the freedom it offers.

Check-Out

Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for people with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on the airplane. Contact the airline ahead of time to find out their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions.

Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, so that you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding check here and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to fly with your powered wheelchair. Some airlines may also demand that you disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and place it in a protective case.

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. Bring any documentation you might need to the airport, such as your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will make it easier for the process of checking in and will help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.

When you arrive at the ticket counter of your airline or at the gate, be sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Explain the type of wheelchair you have and any other accessories you may require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be transportable electric wheelchair examining your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft with an adapted cart. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between various locations.

When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair like they do with your luggage. Take a photograph of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.