How To Tell If You're In The Right Place For Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
How To Tell If You're In The Right Place For Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several aspects to take into consideration when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have these details ready prior to your trip to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that are compliant with the regulations for air travel.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stowed on planes. They will typically have an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stowed underneath the plane as checked luggage. They'll also be able to maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes, bricks or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair 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 they are aware of any specific needs and confirm that they can meet them. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time, which is especially important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their cabins for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited and is first come, first served. Federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check in one hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure secure and comfortable travel. These chairs are designed to fold up and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These experts can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the latest information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is secured in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your telephone number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it should become lost or mishandled during your trip. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to help you remain in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If you are able you can arrive earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is particularly important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This lets you check in early and provides ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.
Before you travel, take a picture website of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your device is damaged during your flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for the damages from the airline. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make the trip as comfortable as possible. A seat cushion is especially important for flights that last over an hour, as it reduces the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be daunting. Traveling with a here power chair is feasible with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Contact an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the best direction, no matter if you prefer to get your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This gives the airline ample time to examine your equipment and ensure it will be stowed safely for your journey.
Depending on the type of chair you own It could be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it is important to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions in order to aid the staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, including the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any accessories that can be removed prior to when you go to the airport and also to ensure that all controls are functioning properly.
Once you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the plane. The airlines are not allowed to charging an additional cost to store assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, as it helps them avoid unnecessary expenses.
After the plane has landed, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to fit down the aircraft aisle. You will then be able to board the plane, and your power 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 might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with right planning and following guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new places. The most important thing to remember 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
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for people who suffer from mobility problems. If you're traveling with a wheelchair or a scooter, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is crucial to adhere to the airline's policies regarding taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your travels to inquire about their policies and to get any questions answered.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, so long as you prepare it correctly for travel. Some airlines will require check here that you charge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your powered wheelchair. Some airlines will also require you to take apart the battery-powered part of your chair and then place it in a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. Bring any documents you need to the airport, including your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will make it easier for the check-in process and can help avoid confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
When you arrive at the ticket counter of your airline or at electric powered wheelchairs for sale the gate, be sure you be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide more info a description of your wheelchair and any other accessories you may require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or if it will be transferred to the aircraft with an adapted cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, you should try to make a direct flight which will minimize the number of times that your equipment will be transferred between various locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment along with your checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you extra to store your scooter or wheelchair just as they would with your luggage. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.