Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things you should consider when traveling with a powered chair. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you numerous questions about your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have these details ready before you go to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "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 stored on planes. They usually have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stowed underneath the plane as checked baggage. They will also be able maneuver on rough surfaces like deceleration stripes, gravel, bricks or muddy roads. They could also be fitted with a patented drive system that allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate to board. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive one hour prior to the departure time you have scheduled, which is important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough and is first come first served. The federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require that you check in one hour before your flight, to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so airport personnel can gather details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are made for safe and convenient travel. These electric chairs can be folded and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can assist you in planning your travel itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines will require you to remove your wheelchair's battery for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is safely stowed in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is stolen or mishandled on 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.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. If possible be there at least two hours earlier than the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check in earlier and gives plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.
Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your wheelchair is damaged on the flight. This will give you the leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make your flight as comfortable as possible. Using a seat cushion is especially important for flights that will last more than an hour, since it reduces pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
For those who travel using an approved airline electric wheelchair, the process of boarding a plane can be an intimidating experience. Traveling with a power chair is possible with the proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Before booking your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best way to check into your seat regardless of whether it's at the counter for tickets or the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it is safely stored for your trip.
Depending on your power chair It could be necessary to disassemble the chair prior to transport. If this is the case, it is important to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the airline personnel handling 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 recommended to remove any removable accessories and make sure that all controls work before leaving for the airport.
When you arrive at an airport your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and then stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional wheelchair with electric motor fee to stow assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for those with disabilities as it helps them avoid unnecessary costs.
A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can fit down the aircraft aisle when the plane arrives. Then, you will be able to get off the plane and your wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
Traveling with an electric chair can be daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to the guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new locations with ease. It is crucial to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for those with mobility issues. If you're using mobility scooters or wheelchairs, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's important that you follow the airline's guidelines regarding bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to learn about their policies regarding power chairs and to inquire about any questions.
Most airlines allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight as provided it's prepared for travel. Certain airlines might require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a doctor's note on file before they will let you fly with your power chair. Some airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered component of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case.
Get to the airport at least two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, including your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will help speed up the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
When you reach the airline ticket counter or gate, make sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Provide the type of wheelchair you have and any necessary accessories, such as cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the plane using an adapted cart. If you're going to 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 will be moved between various locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair like they do with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, make sure you take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.