Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are a few aspects to take into consideration when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.

Make sure you have these details in hand prior to you leave for the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that meet the requirements for air travel.

What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and stowed safely on planes. The FAA can approve them for air travel and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. They can also move on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes, bricks or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending which 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 boarding gates. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure, which is especially important during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough, and it's first come, first serve. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to stop accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before bringing an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also request that you check in an hour before your flight, so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your power chair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable method of travel. They can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline standards for battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the most current details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety. You can then put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals aren't exposed, and that it is safely placed upright.

Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your phone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is stolen or mishandled on your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will assist you in staying in your chair while you travel with airport personnel and airline personnel.

Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. Arriving earlier than this is even better particularly during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This allows you to check in earlier and gives ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you in stowing your chair.

Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to travel. This website can be used as proof in the event that your device gets damaged during the flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for any damages from the airline. You should consider bringing a seat cushion to make the flight as comfortable as possible. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights lasting over an hour. They can reduce pressure on your skin, and will prevent soreness.

Check-In

The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be daunting. However, with the proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, traveling with a power chair is feasible.

Speak to 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 into your seat whether at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and ensure it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the kind of 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 on hand to help the airline personnel handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, like the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any accessories that are removable and make sure that all controls are functioning before you leave for the airport.

When you arrive at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra to store assistive devices, like electric chairs. This is a 25 stone capacity electric wheelchair great benefit for people who have disabilities, as it allows them to avoid unnecessary costs.

After the plane has landed in the air, a representative from the airline will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to one that is able to slide in the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you will be able to get off the plane and your power wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as you can, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.

A trip with an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to guidelines, you can be able to experience the joy of exploring new locations without difficulty. It is essential to keep in mind that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair, you won't be able to travel with the freedom it affords.

Check-Out

Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for people who have mobility issues. If you have an electric or wheelchair could make your trip more enjoyable. However, it's important that you follow the airline's policies regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. Contact the airline in advance to find out their policy regarding power chairs and click here to inquire about any questions.

Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with your power wheelchair. Some airlines may also require that you disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and place it in an enclosure that is protected.

Make sure you arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and avoid confusion website regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

When you arrive at the ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Discuss your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you might require like sideguards or seat more info cushions. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the aircraft using an appropriate cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will reduce the number of times your equipment will be transferred between different locations.

Once your wheelchair is on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment, just like 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. If your equipment is damaged, you must capture a photo prior to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.