Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are many things to consider when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and at the airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.

Make sure you have this information at hand before you leave for the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that meet 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. They usually have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stored under the plane as checked luggage. They will also be able maneuver on rough surfaces like deceleration stripes, gravel, bricks or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate to board. It is crucial to contact the airline in advance to ensure that they are aware of any special requirements and to confirm that they can meet these requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of the time of departure This is particularly important during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage and storage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and is first come, first served. The federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked by the 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 request that you check-in an hour prior to your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions as well as other useful information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Electric Wheel Chairs wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe way to travel. These chairs are designed to fold and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and stowage. If you plan to travel with the airline of your choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the most current details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines ask that you take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals aren't exposed, and it is stowed upright.

Based on your airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following information including your name address, address, phone number and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it is lost or mishandled on your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.

You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If possible you can arrive earlier than two hours before your scheduled departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you with stowing your chair.

Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This can be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for any damages from the airline. You should also think about bringing cushions for your seats, so that the flight is as relaxing as possible for you. A seat cushion is particularly important for flights that last longer than an hour, because it reduces the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.

Check-In

For those traveling with an approved electric wheel chairs wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane could be a daunting prospect. However, with proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, flying with your power chair is feasible.

Speak to an airline representative prior to making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check into your seat, whether it is at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is suggested. This gives the airline ample time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it will be stowed safely to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the kind of power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it's helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the airline employees handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair, such as the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable accessories before you travel to the airport and also to ensure that all the controls are working properly.

Once you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you an additional fee to stow assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for those who have disabilities, as it allows them to save money.

A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that will fit on the aisle of the aircraft once the plane arrives. Then, you can disembark, and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.

It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with the right planning and following the rules you will be able to enjoy exploring new locations. The most important thing to remember is that if not comfortable in your chair, you'll never enjoy the freedom that traveling provides.

Check-Out

Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on board the plane. Contact the airline in advance to find out their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions.

Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it properly for travel. Certain airlines might require you to charge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a doctor's recommendation in order to let you fly with your motorized chair. Some airlines will also require you to take apart the battery-powered component of your wheelchair and place it in a case that is protected.

Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to flight. It's important to bring any documentation, such as your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.

When you arrive at the ticket counter or gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any other accessories you may need like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the aircraft using a specialized cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book a direct flight to minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between places.

After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing your wheelchair or scooter, like they do with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, make sure you take a photograph before you leave the airport and immediately inform the airline.