Why Everyone Is Talking About Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Right Now
Why Everyone Is Talking About Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Right Now
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several aspects to take into consideration when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and the airline will inquire about your chair, its dimensions, battery type, and how to handle it.
Make sure you have all of this information at hand before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that are compliant with the regulations for air travel.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines can be safely transported and stowed on planes. They usually have a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stowed underneath the plane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive one hour prior to your scheduled departure time This is crucial during peak 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 it's first come, first served. They also require that any additional batteries be checked as part of the wheelchair or scooter, since federal regulations require that they must be removed from the device unless the chair is equipped with a secure design to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask that you check in one hour before your flight, to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions as well as other useful information about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide an efficient and safe method of travel. These power chairs are made to fold and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist in planning your trip and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you remove your wheelchair's battery for safety reasons and place it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is safely stowed in a straight position.
Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your trip. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to allow you to remain in your seat during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
You should always arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. Arriving earlier than this is even better, especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline in case of damages. It is also advisable to bring an extra cushion for your seat, so that the flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. The use of a cushion for your seat is essential for flights that will last more than an hour, since this will minimize the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, the process of boarding a plane can be an intimidating experience. Air travel with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check in your chair whether at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and ensure it will be stowed safely for your journey.
Depending on the type of power chair you own, it may be required to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline heavy duty electric wheelchairs employees 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 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 working properly.
Once you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and then stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional fee to stow assistive devices like power wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, because it can help them avoid unnecessary expenses.
Once the plane is in the air at the airport, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to slide down the aircraft aisle. After disembarking, your wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or at the gate.
Traveling with an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with careful planning and adherence to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new places without difficulty. It is essential to keep in mind that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for those with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, however it's essential to follow the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair on board the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure 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 to travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will need a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with a powered wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in a case that is protected.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time so that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, to the airport. This will make it easier for the process of checking in and will prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
When you reach the counter for tickets to airline or gate, be sure to explain your mobility needs clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any necessary accessories like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be storing your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining it for storage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book an express flight to reduce the amount of times your equipment is moved between different locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo area along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a photograph prior to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.