carpmemory9

Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions, battery type, and how to handle it. Be sure to have all this information at hand before you travel to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair is equipped with “air safe” batteries that comply with the regulations 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 will allow them to be used for air travel and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or muddy roads. They could also be equipped with a patent-pending power drive system that allows them to move in tight spaces or lifts. Airlines will assist you with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before the departure time you have scheduled This is crucial in busy travel times. Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough, and it's first come, first serve. Federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected unless they are specifically designed to prevent accidental activation. United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check in an hour prior to your flight so 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 useful details about your mobility chair or power scooter. Safety Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed for comfortable and safe travel. These power chairs can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline standards for battery size, handling and stowage. 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 on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require you to remove your wheelchair's battery for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and that it is stowed upright. Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, address, your phone number, and the wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it gets lost or is mishandled during your journey. You might also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which aid you in staying in your wheelchair during transfers with airline and airport personnel. You should always arrive at at least two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure the proper storage of your equipment is done. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better particularly during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and allows the airline representative plenty of time to help you stow your chair. Photograph your wheelchair prior to travel. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for the damages from the airline. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make your flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce the pressure on your skin, preventing soreness. Check-In The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be daunting. But, with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, flying with your power chair is attainable. Before you book your flight, talk to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They'll be able to guide you in the right direction, whether you prefer to get your seat at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely for your journey. Based on the model of chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this instance it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable items prior to you go to the airport and also to ensure that all controls are functioning properly. When you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra for stowing assistive devices like electric chairs. This is a wonderful benefit for those with disabilities because it can help them avoid unnecessary expenses. A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft once the plane arrives. You can then disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or at the gate. It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines you can have fun exploring new locations. It is important to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you won't be able to travel with the freedom it affords. Check-Out Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for people with mobility problems. If you're traveling with a wheelchair or a scooter, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is crucial to adhere to the airline's guidelines for bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to inquire about their policy and ask any questions. Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, as long as you prepare it properly for travel. Certain airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will need a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with your powered wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair and place it in a case that is protected. Make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours before the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. It's recommended to bring any documentation, including the owner's manual as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will make it easier for the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies. On arrival at the ticket counter or gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Discuss your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require for example, sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for stowage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, try to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the number of times that your equipment is moved between various locations. Once your wheelchair is on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photograph of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Notify MyMobilityScooters .