8 Tips To Up Your Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Game
8 Tips To Up Your Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Game
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are a few aspects to be considered. The airport staff and at the airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to handle it.
Be sure to have all this information at hand before you head to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that meet the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and stowed securely on airplanes. They usually have a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stowed underneath the plane as checked luggage. Additionally, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They could also be equipped with a patent-pending power drive system that enables them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate to board. It is important to contact the airline in advance to make sure they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate the requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time which is essential in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage and storage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is not large enough and it's first come, first serve. The federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure secure and comfortable travel. These electric chairs can be folded and comply with airline standards for battery size handling, stowage, and handling. If you plan to travel with your airline of preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the latest information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way to ensure safety and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is safely stowed in an upright position.
Depending on your airline or airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following information: your name, address, phone number, and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it should become lost or damaged during your trip. You might also consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will aid you in staying in your wheelchair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is done. Arriving earlier than this is even better particularly during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This lets you check in early and provides plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you with stowing your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair before you travel. This can be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline in case of damages. You should consider bringing a seat cushion to make the trip as comfortable as you can. Seat cushions are particularly important when you travel for more than an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane could be an intimidating experience. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is achievable with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Speak to an airline representative prior to making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best way to check-in your chair whether at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it's advised to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely stored for your trip.
Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary to disassemble it prior to transportation. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline employees handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable items prior to you go to the airport, and to make sure all the controls are working properly.
When you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the airplane. The airlines aren't allowed to charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities as it allows them to avoid costly expenses.
A 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. You will then be able to get off the plane and your power wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as is possible or at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It may seem daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new places. It is crucial to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be extremely stressful for those with mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less discount electric wheelchairs stressful for you, however it is important to follow the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline before your trip to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, as provided you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a physician's letter to allow you to fly with a powered wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in a case that is protected.
Get to the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to departure. It's recommended to bring any documentation, including your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and can prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
When you arrive at the airline's ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility requirements. Explain the kind of wheelchair you own and any other accessories you may require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline whether they will be storing your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for stowage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to book a direct flight, which will minimize the number of times that your equipment is moved between locations.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of your wheelchair or scooter, just as they would with your luggage. Take a photo of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.