Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are many aspects to be considered. The staff at the airport and at the airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have all this information in your possession prior to you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with the 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 will typically have an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stored under the plane as checked luggage. They will also be able move on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes brick or muddy road. They could also be equipped with a patented power drive system that permits them to move in tight spaces or lifts.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. It is important to contact the airline in advance to make sure they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet them. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before the time of departure which is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage and storage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and operates on an initial-come first-serve basis. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected as part of the wheelchair or scooter, because federal regulations require they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a safe design to prevent unintentional activation.
United mobility electric wheelchairs requires 48 hours advance notice before taking electric wheelchairs or scooters on their flights. They also ask to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient method of travel. These power chairs can be folded and comply with airline standards for battery size handling, stowage, and handling. If you plan to fly with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in preparing your itinerary and give you the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons 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 a straight position.
Depending on the airline you use, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name address, address, phone number, and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it is lost or damaged during your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to allow you to remain in your chair during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. Arriving earlier than this is even better if possible especially during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This lets you check in earlier and gives plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to travel. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage to seek compensation for the damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring cushions for your seats to ensure that your flight is as relaxing as possible for you. Seat cushions are especially important for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce the pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be daunting. However, with the proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, traveling with a power chair is feasible.
Contact an airline representative before making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check-in your chair regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure it is safely stored for your journey.
Depending on the model of your power chair, it may be necessary for you to disassemble the chair prior to transportation. If this is the case, it's important to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any accessories that can be removed prior to when you go to the airport, and to make sure all of the controls are in working order.
Once you arrive at an airport, your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for people who have disabilities, as it allows them to 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 aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines you can have fun exploring new places. It is important to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you will not be able to travel with the freedom it provides.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers who suffer from mobility problems. If you're traveling with mobility scooters or wheelchairs, it can make your trip more enjoyable. However, it is crucial to adhere to the airline's policies regarding taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines will allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your trip as provided it's prepared for travel. Certain airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to taking off and others will need a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with your electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered part of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, like the owner's manual as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and can prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
When you arrive at the airline's ticket counter or gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Explain your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require, such as seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the aircraft with an appropriate cart. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an direct flight to cut down on the amount of times your equipment is moved between places.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to take a picture of it prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.