10 Things That Everyone Doesn't Get Right About The Word "Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair"
10 Things That Everyone Doesn't Get Right About The Word "Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair"
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things to consider when traveling with powered chairs. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you a lot of questions regarding 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 leave for the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that comply with the requirements for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA can approve them for use on flights, and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll be able to move on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or roads that are muddy. They could also be equipped with a patent-pending power drive system that allows them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the gates for boarding. It is important to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure that they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate these requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before the departure time you have scheduled, which is important during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough and is first come, first served. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair, since federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe method of travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can assist you in preparing your itinerary and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and put 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 the airline you use depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your telephone number, and the wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it gets lost or mishandled during your trip. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If possible be there at least two hours earlier than your departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you leverage to seek compensation for damages from the airline. Consider bringing along an extra cushion for your seat to make the flight as comfortable as you possibly can. A seat cushion is essential for flights that will last more than an hour, since this will minimize the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be intimidating. However, with proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, flying using your electric chair is attainable.
Talk to an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check in your chair regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely stowed for your trip.
Depending on the kind of chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this situation, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on the table to aid airline personnel who will handle your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, such as the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any removable accessories and check that all controls work before leaving for the airport.
Once you are at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are prohibited from charging you a cost to store assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for those with disabilities as it allows them to save money.
When the plane lands at the airport, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to slide down the aircraft aisle. You can then disembark and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of click here the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or at the gate.
It may seem daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with proper planning and following the guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new places. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable in your chair, you will never enjoy the freedom that traveling provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, but it's important to adhere to the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact your airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policy and ask any questions.
Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair on your flight, so that you prepare it properly for travel. Certain airlines may require you to recharge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a medical note on file before they will allow you to fly with your electric chair. Certain airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered portion of your chair and put it inside a protective case.
Get to the airport at least two hours before your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, like the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and avoid confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or gate, make sure to explain your mobility needs clearly. Explain the kind of wheelchair you're using and any accessories you require like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether check here they will be keeping your wheelchair in a specific cart get more info or checking it for stowage. If you're transferring to the plane using your read more electric wheelchair, make sure to make a direct flight which will reduce the number of times that your equipment will be transferred between locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment, just like checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair like they do with your luggage. If get more info your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.