A The Complete Guide To Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair From Start To Finish
A The Complete Guide To Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair From Start To Finish
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many aspects to take into consideration when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you many questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Be sure to have all this information in your possession prior to 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?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stored 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 baggage. Additionally they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or roads that are muddy. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate for boarding. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive at least an hour prior to your scheduled departure, which is especially important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin that can be used for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. The space is limited and operates on an initial-come first-serve basis. Federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request that you check in one hour before your flight, so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions as well as other useful information regarding your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are made for comfortable and safe travel. These chairs are designed to fold up and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. If you plan to fly with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in planning your itinerary and give you the most current information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines ask that you take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and place it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is secured in a straight position.
Depending on your airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information such as your name address, number and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is lost or mishandled on your trip. You may also want to look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will allow you to remain in your wheelchair when you transfer with airport and airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment storage. Arriving earlier than this is even better if possible especially during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and allows the airline representative plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you travel, take a picture of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will help you to seek compensation for damages from the airline. Consider bringing along an extra cushion for your seat to make your flight as comfortable as you can. Seat cushions are especially important for flights that last more than an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be daunting. Air travel with a power chair is feasible with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Speak to an airline representative before making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best way to check in your chair whether at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the kind of power chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist airline personnel handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, including the owner's manual or warranty information. You should also remove any removable accessories and ensure whether read more all controls function before you leave for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed 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 a wonderful benefit for those with disabilities since it allows them to avoid costly expenses.
A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can be able to fit into the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. After disembarking, your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with the proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new destinations. It is crucial to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for people who have mobility issues. If you're traveling with an electric or wheelchair can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is important that you follow the airline's guidelines regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline before your trip to inquire about their policies and get any questions answered.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it properly to travel. Some airlines require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a doctor's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your power wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you disassemble the battery powered portion of your chair, and place it into a case that is safe.
Make sure you arrive at the airport amazon power chairs at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, like your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will make it easier for the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
Upon arriving at the ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide the type of wheelchair you have and any necessary accessories like cushioned here seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the aircraft using a specialized cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the number of times your equipment will be transferred between locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photograph of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.