What Are The Myths And Facts Behind Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
What Are The Myths And Facts Behind Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are several things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you many questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and stowed safely on airplanes. They typically come with an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stowed underneath the plane as checked baggage. They will also be able navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes bricks or muddy roads. They may also be equipped with a patented drive system that allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the gates for boarding. It is essential to contact the airline prior to your departure to make sure they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet them. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your departure time, which is important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes for the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and it's first come, first served. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the wheelchair or scooter, since federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before bringing electric wheelchairs or scooters aboard their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to your flight time 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 assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information regarding your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are made for comfortable and safe travel. These chairs are designed to fold and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can assist you in preparing your itinerary 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 into a carryon bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is secured in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you fly with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it gets lost or damaged during your trip. You might also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket, 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 at two hours before the departure time you have scheduled to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is completed. Being earlier than that is even better particularly during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to help you stow your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for the damages from the airline. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make your flight as comfortable as you can. A seat cushion is essential when you travel for over an hour, as it will reduce the pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
For those who travel using an approved airline electric wheelchair, getting on a plane could be an intimidating experience. But, with the right preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, air wheelchair electric scooter travel using your electric chair is possible.
Contact an airline representative before making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check-in your chair whether at the counter for tickets or the gate. In any case, it is advised to arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and make sure that it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the type of power chair you own It could be required to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it's important to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. You should also remove any accessories that are removable and make sure that all controls work before you depart for the airport.
Once you are at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines aren't allowed to charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for those with disabilities since they can avoid unnecessary costs.
An airline employee will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit down the aisle of the aircraft once the plane arrives. Then, you will be able to board the plane, and your wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as you can or at the jet bridge or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric wheelchair can seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to the guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new locations with ease. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll not be able to fully take advantage of the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for passengers with mobility problems. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it's essential to follow the guidelines of your airline for bringing and stowing your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policies and get any questions answered.
Many airlines will allow you to take an electric wheelchair on your trip as long as it's properly prepared for travel. Certain 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 electric wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Once you're at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, such as the owner's manual as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the process of checking in and will prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
Upon arriving at the airline's ticket counter or gate, make sure to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Explain the kind of wheelchair you're using and any necessary accessories, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the aircraft with an adapted cart. If you're taking a transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will minimize the amount of times your equipment will be transferred between locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair the same way they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must take a picture of it prior to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.