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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are several aspects to take into consideration when traveling with an electric chair. The airport staff and the airline will inquire about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to use it.

Make sure you have all this information in your possession prior to you leave for the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with the air travel regulations.

What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for use on flights, and they can be stowed under the plane as checked baggage. They can also navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes, roads that are muddy or brick. They could also be fitted with a unique drive system that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will assist you with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate to board. It is essential to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they can meet the requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive at least an hour prior to your scheduled departure, which is especially important in busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their cabins for the storage of one mobility wheelchair electric device or wheelchair. This space is limited, and it's first come, first serve. The federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions as well as other useful details about your power chair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure comfortable and safe travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. If you're planning to fly with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most current details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put 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 a straight position.

Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your phone number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your trip. You may also want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.

You should arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure the proper storage of your equipment is done. If you are able be there earlier than two hours before your scheduled departure time. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This lets you check in earlier and gives plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you with the stowing of your chair.

Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for damages. It is also advisable to bring an extra cushion for your seat, so that the flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. The use of a cushion for your seat is essential when you travel for more than an hour, since this will minimize the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can be a daunting task. However, with proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, air travel with your power chairs for handicapped chair is feasible.

Before you book your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check in your chair regardless of whether it's at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that it's safely stowed for your trip.

Depending on the kind of power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. In this instance it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline personnel who will handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable accessories before you go to the airport and also to ensure that all controls are working properly.

When you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Airlines are not allowed to charge you extra for stowing assistive devices such as small electric wheelchair chairs. This is a huge benefit for passengers with disabilities since it allows them to 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 slide down the aircraft aisle. Then, you can disembark, and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the aircraft door, either at the jetbridge or the gate.

It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with right planning and following the rules you can have fun exploring new locations. It is important to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to travel with the freedom it affords.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for people who suffer from mobility problems. If you're traveling with mobility scooters or wheelchairs could make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it's important that you follow the airline's policies regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and ask any questions.

Most airlines will let you bring an Electric Small Wheelchair chair on your flight, so that you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines may require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will require you to have a doctor's note in order to allow you to fly using your electric chair. Some airlines will also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in a case that is protected.

Arrive at the airport 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 important to bring any documentation, such as the owner's manual as well as 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 help avoid confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.

When you arrive at the ticket counter or gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any other accessories you might require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for stowage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to take a direct flight which will minimize the amount of times your equipment will be transferred between various 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 the airlines from charging extra for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a photograph prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.