Five Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Lessons From The Pros
Five Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Lessons From The Pros
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things you should consider when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have all these details in hand prior to you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with the air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and stowed securely on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes, and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. They can also navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes roads that are muddy or brick. They may also be equipped with a unique drive system that allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate for boarding. It is crucial to contact the airline in advance to ensure that they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they will be able to accommodate the requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of the time of departure which is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected in conjunction with the scooter or wheelchair since federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a secure design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask to check-in at least an hour before your flight so that they can ensure proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful information about your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure secure and comfortable travel. These chairs are designed to fold, and they comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. 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. They can assist in planning your trip and give you the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed, and it is placed upright.
Depending on the airline you use or airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details including your name, address, phone number, and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it is lost or mishandled during your journey. You may want to buy aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to allow you to remain in your chair during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better if possible particularly during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to help you stow your chair.
Before you leave, take a picture of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will help you to seek compensation for the damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring an extra cushion for your seat to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. Using a seat cushion is especially important when you travel for longer than an hour, because it will reduce pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
For those who travel with an approved electric wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane could be a daunting prospect. But, with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, flying with your power chair is feasible.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the best direction, regardless of whether electric wheelchair to buy you prefer to get your seat at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour prior to electric wheelchair heavy duty your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely and properly stored for your journey.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary for you to disassemble the chair prior to transport. In this case it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the go to help airline employees who handle your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, including the owner's manual or warranty information. Also, take off any removable items and make sure that all controls are functioning before leaving for the airport.
Once you arrive at an airport your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and then stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for passengers with disabilities since they can 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 fit down the aircraft aisle. You will then be able to disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as you can, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It may seem daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with right planning and following guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new places. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable in your chair, you will never enjoy the freedom that traveling affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for those who have mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on board the airplane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines will let you bring an electric chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it correctly for travel. Certain airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with a powered more info wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered portion of your chair, and then place it in a case that is safe.
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. Bring any documents you require to the airport, like your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and avoid confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the airline's ticket counter or gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Explain the kind of wheelchair you're using and any other accessories you may require like cushioned seats or click here sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for stowage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will minimize the amount of times your equipment will be transferred between locations.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment, just like checked luggage. get more info The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, make sure you take a picture of it before you leave the airport and immediately inform the airline.