Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Tips From The Most Effective In The Business
Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Tips From The Most Effective In The Business
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and at the airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to use it.
Be sure to have these details in hand prior to you leave for the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that meet the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and safely stowed on airplanes. The FAA can approve them for air travel and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. Additionally, they will be able to move on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, brick or roads that are muddy. They could also be equipped with a patent-pending power drive system that enables them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.
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 needs and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate the requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time, which is important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. The space is not large enough and is first come first served. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected unless they are specifically designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when taking an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour before your flight so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed for comfortable and safe travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold up and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the latest details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed, and it is placed upright.
Depending on the airline you use, you may need to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, address, your number, and your wheelchair model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your travels. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will allow you to remain in your chair while you travel with airport personnel and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is done. If possible be there earlier than two hours before your departure time. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and allows the airline representative plenty of time to help you stow your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair before you travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for damages. Consider bringing along cushions to make the flight as comfortable as you can. Using a seat cushion is especially important when you travel for more than an hour, since it will reduce pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be intimidating. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is feasible with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, talk to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you in the best direction, no matter if you prefer to get your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour before your flight. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure it is safely stowed to be ready for your trip.
Depending on your power chair It may be necessary for you to disassemble it before it is transported. In this situation it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any accessories that can be removed prior to when you leave for the airport, and to make sure all the controls are functioning properly.
Once you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and then stowed. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for those with disabilities since it helps them avoid costly expenses.
A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can be able to fit into the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. Then, you will be able to board the plane, and your wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as you can or at the jet bridge or at the gate.
Traveling with an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to the guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new destinations without difficulty. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never be able to take advantage of the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously packed and read more can be extremely stressful for those who have mobility issues. If you're traveling with a wheelchair or a scooter can make your trip more enjoyable. However, it's crucial to adhere to the airline's guidelines for bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to learn about their policies regarding power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines will let you bring an electric chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines require you to discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will need a doctor's letter to allow you to travel with your electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also demand that you remove the battery-powered part of your chair and then place it in a case that is safe.
Once you're at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you might require to the airport, like your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly of the 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 wheelchair.
If you are at the counter for tickets to airline or gate, be sure to be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Be sure to describe the kind of wheelchair you own and any necessary accessories like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage, or if it will be transferred to the plane using an adapted cart. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an direct flight to cut down on the number of times your device is moved between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra to store your scooter or wheelchair, the same way they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must capture a photo prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.