A The Complete Guide To Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair From Beginning To End
A The Complete Guide To Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair From Beginning To End
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things to consider when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions, battery type, and how to use it.
Make sure you have these details in hand prior to you head to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stored on planes. They will typically have an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stowed underneath the plane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes, brick or muddy road. They may also have a patent-pending power drive system that permits them to move in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate to board. However, it is essential to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and confirm that they can meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time, which is especially important during busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin that can be used for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited and on the basis of first-come-first-serve. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions as well as other useful details about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide an efficient and safe way to travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide 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 place it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is secured in a straight position.
Depending on the airline you travel with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is lost or mishandled during your journey. You may also want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.
You should always arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that proper stowage of your equipment is done. Being earlier than that is even better especially during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and allows the airline representative plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged on the flight. This will give you leverage in pursuing compensation for damages from the airline. 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. Using a seat cushion is essential for flights that will last longer than an hour, because it will reduce pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
For those who travel using an approved airline electric wheelchair, boarding a plane can be a daunting prospect. Traveling with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best way to check-in your chair, whether it is at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it's recommended to arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely for your trip.
Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair prior to it is transported. In this case, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline personnel who will handle your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, such as the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable accessories before you travel to the airport and to ensure all the controls are functioning properly.
Once you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. 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 as it helps them save money.
After the plane has landed, an airline employee 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 disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as is possible in either the jet bridge or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with the right planning and adherence to guidelines, you can be able to experience the joy of exploring new destinations with ease. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that traveling offers.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared for travel. Certain airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will require a physician's letter to allow you to fly with a powered wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you take down the battery-powered part of your wheelchair, and place it into a case that is safe.
Get to the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your departure. Bring any documentation you may need to the airport, like your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and can help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
When you reach the counter for tickets to airline small electric wheelchair or gate, be sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Discuss your wheelchair and any other accessories you might require for example, seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the plane using a specialized cart. If you're taking a transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, try to book a direct flight, which will minimize the number of times that your equipment will be transferred between different locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment is damaged, you must take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.