The Little-Known Benefits Of Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
The Little-Known Benefits Of Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things to consider when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to use it.
Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and safely stowed on airplanes. They typically come with non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stowed underneath the plane as checked luggage. In addition they'll be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or muddy roads. They could also have a patented power drive system that allows them to navigate in tight spaces, or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the gates for boarding. It is crucial to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure that they are aware of any special requirements and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate these requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of the time of departure, which is especially important 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. This space is limited and operated on an initial-come first-serve basis. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected in conjunction with the scooter or wheelchair, because federal regulations require they are disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with an effective design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to 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 representatives can get information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other details about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and storage. If you're planning to fly with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in a upright position.
Depending on your airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information: your name address, number, and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment in case 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 to assist you in staying in your chair while you travel with airport personnel and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. Arriving earlier than this is even better if possible, especially during busy holiday times 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.
Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your wheelchair is damaged on the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for damages from the airline. You should consider bringing cushions to make your flight as comfortable as you can. Seat cushions are particularly important when you travel for more than an hour. They will reduce pressure on your skin, and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be a daunting task. Traveling with a power chair is achievable with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
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 navigate in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to check-in your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it's advised to arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This gives the airline ample time to examine your equipment and ensure that it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary for you to disassemble the chair prior to transport. In this situation it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to assist the airline employees who handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any removable items and ensure that all controls are functioning before you leave for the airport.
Once you are at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra for the stowing of assistive devices like power chairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.
An airline employee will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can fit down the aisle of the aircraft once the plane lands. After disembarking, your powered wheelchair is 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 in an electric chair, but with right planning and following the rules you can have fun exploring new places. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable in your chair, you will never be able to enjoy the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers who have mobility problems. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow the guidelines of your airline for transporting and stowing your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it correctly to travel. Some airlines might require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a doctor's note in order to let you fly with your power chair. Some airlines will also require you to take apart the battery-powered part of your chair and put it in a protective case.
Get to the airport at minimum two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to flight. It's important to bring any documentation, like your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up check-in and prevent confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
Upon arriving at the ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility requirements. Explain the type of wheelchair you have and any accessories you require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a specific cart or examining it for stowage. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, try to take a direct flight which will minimize the number of times chairs electric that your equipment is moved between different locations.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of your wheelchair or scooter, the same way they would with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, you must capture a photo before you leave the airport and immediately inform the airline.