What Experts In The Field Would Like You To Know
What Experts In The Field Would Like You To Know
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you a lot of questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have all of this information at hand before you travel to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that are compliant with the requirements for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will approve them for air travel and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or roads that are muddy. They may also have a patented power drive system that permits them to navigate in tight spaces, or elevators.
Airlines will assist you with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the boarding gate. It is important to call the airline ahead of time to ensure they are aware of any specific needs and to confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your scheduled departure time, which is important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is not large enough, and it's first come, first serve. Federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also request that you check-in an hour before your flight, to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful information about your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are made for safe and convenient travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals aren't exposed, and that it is stowed upright.
Depending on your airline 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 that it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may want to buy aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will allow you to remain in your chair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. If you can be there at least two hours earlier than your scheduled departure time. This is particularly crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to get more info check in early and allows the airline representative plenty of time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to traveling. This serves as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for damages from the airline. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make the trip as comfortable as possible. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights lasting over an hour. They will reduce pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be daunting. However, with proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, air travel with a power chair is feasible.
Talk to an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method get more info to check-in your chair, whether it is at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour before your flight. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure it is safely stored for your journey.
Depending on the kind of power click here chair you own It may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions in order to aid the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable items prior to you go to the airport and to ensure all controls are functioning properly.
Once 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 an additional fee to stow assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for people who have disabilities, as they can avoid unnecessary costs.
A representative from the airline will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft when the plane arrives. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the shortest possible location to the aircraft door, either at the jetbridge or the gate.
A trip with an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to the guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new destinations without difficulty. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll never enjoy the freedom that traveling provides.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers who have mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on board the plane. Contact the airline in advance to learn about their policies on power chairs and to inquire about any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it properly for travel. Certain airlines might require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a medical note on file before they will let you fly with your motorized chair. Some airlines will also require you to take apart the battery-powered portion of your chair and put it in a case that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documents you require to the airport, like your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will speed up check-in process and avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the airline's ticket counter or gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Explain the type of wheelchair you have and any necessary accessories like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or whether it will be transported to the plane using a specialized cart. If you're transferring to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to make a direct flight which will minimize the number of times that your equipment is moved between different locations.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment is damaged, make sure you capture a photo prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.