What Is Everyone Talking About Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Right Now
What Is Everyone Talking About Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Right Now
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are many aspects to be considered. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions about your chair's dimensions, battery type and how to handle it.
Make sure you have these details ready before you go to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with air travel regulations.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and safely stowed on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes bricks or muddy roads. They could also be equipped with an exclusive power drive system that enables them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. It is important to call the airline ahead of time to ensure they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they can meet these requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time This is crucial during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited, and it's first come, first serve. Federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before taking an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also request that you check-in an hour before your flight so that they can ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so airport personnel can gather information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your chair for safety purposes and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is securely tucked away in an upright position.
Based on your airline or airline, you may be asked 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 stolen or mishandled during your journey. You may also want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which aid you in staying in your wheelchair during transfers with airline and airport personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that proper stowage of your equipment is completed. If you can you can arrive at least two hours earlier than your scheduled departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.
Before you travel, take a picture of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you the ability to seek compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing a seat cushion to make your flight as comfortable as you possibly can. A seat cushion is especially important when you travel for longer than an hour, because it will reduce the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be a daunting task. But, with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, traveling using your electric chair is feasible.
Before booking your flight, speak to 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 ticket counter or the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it will be best power chair stowed safely to be ready for your trip.
Based on the model of power chair you have, it may be required to disassemble it prior to transport. In this situation it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline employees who handle your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, such as the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any removable accessories and check whether all controls function before leaving for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the plane. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra to store assistive devices, like electric chairs. This is a huge benefit for people with disabilities as it helps them avoid unnecessary costs.
After the plane has landed at the airport, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your power wheelchair to one that is able to fit down the aircraft aisle. You can then disembark and your wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with the right planning and adherence to guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new locations easily. It is important to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for passengers who suffer from mobility problems. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on the plane. Contact the airline ahead of time 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 that you prepare it properly to travel. Some airlines may require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will require you to have a doctor's recommendation in order to allow you to fly with your electric chair. Some airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered component of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's important to bring any documentation, such as your owner manual and any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and can help avoid confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
On arrival at the airline's ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Provide the type of wheelchair you have and any accessories you require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or if it will be transferred to the aircraft with an adapted cart. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book a direct flight to minimize the number times your equipment is moved between different locations.
Once 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 does not permit airlines to charge you extra to store your scooter or wheelchair, just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must take a photograph before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.