Your Family Will Thank You For Having This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Your Family Will Thank You For Having This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are several things to consider. The staff at the airport and the airline will inquire about 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 has "air safe" batteries that are compliant with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for use on flights and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. Furthermore, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or muddy roads. They may also have a patent-pending power drive system that enables them to navigate 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 ensure that they are aware of your requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet those requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive one hour prior to your scheduled departure time, which is important during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and operated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to you bring an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also request to check-in one hour before your flight so that they can ensure proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed for comfortable and safe travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and storage. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the latest information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you remove your wheelchair's battery for safety reasons and put it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed, and that it is safely stowed upright.
Depending on the airline you fly with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it is lost or damaged during your travels. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your chair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is completed. If you can, arrive at least two hours earlier than your scheduled departure time. This is particularly crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the airline representative ample time to help you stow your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline for damages. Consider bringing along an extra cushion for your seat to make the trip as comfortable as you possibly can. Using a seat cushion is particularly important when you travel for longer than an hour, because it will reduce pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be daunting. However, with the proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, flying using your electric chair is attainable.
Before you book your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best way to check into your seat regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have It may be necessary for you to disassemble it before it is transported. In this case it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline personnel handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, such as the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any removable accessories and ensure that all controls work before you depart for the airport.
When you arrive 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 cost to store assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for those with disabilities since they electric scooter wheelchair can avoid unnecessary costs.
A wheelchair electric scooter representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft once the plane lands. Then, you will be able to board the plane, and your wheelchair will be returned to you close to read more the aircraft door as possible, either at the jet bridge outdoor power chair or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric wheelchair can seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new locations without difficulty. The most important thing to top rated electric wheelchairs keep in mind is that if you're uncomfortable in your chair, you will not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that traveling affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for passengers who have mobility issues. If you're using an electric or wheelchair could make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it's essential to follow the airline's guidelines for bringing your chair 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 ask about their policy and ask any questions.
Many airlines will allow passengers to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight as long as it's properly prepared for travel. Certain airlines may require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a medical note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your motorized chair. Some airlines will also require you to disassemble the battery-powered part of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case.
Get to the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. It's important to bring any documentation, like your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will make it easier for the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
On arrival at the ticket counter or gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Explain the type of wheelchair you have and any accessories you require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for storage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will minimize the number of times that your equipment is moved between different locations.
Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra to store your scooter or wheelchair, the same way they would with your luggage. Take a photograph of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.