What To Do To Determine If You're Ready For Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
What To Do To Determine If You're Ready For Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. The airport staff and at the airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to handle it.
Make sure you have all of this information in your possession prior to you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "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 can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA can approve them for air travel, and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. Additionally they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They may also have a patented power drive system that enables them to move in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter to the gate for boarding. It is however important to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your requirements and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require you to be at least one hour prior to your departure time which is essential during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough and is first come, first served. They also require that any additional batteries be checked as part of the scooter or wheelchair, as federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a secure design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also require to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight time so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe 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 in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the latest details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair for safety purposes and place it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is secured in a straight position.
Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event that it gets lost or is damaged during your travels. You may also consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that aid you in staying in your wheelchair while you travel with airline and airport personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better if possible particularly during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check in earlier and gives plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair before you travel. This can be used as proof in the event that your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for any damages. It is also advisable to bring cushions for your seats to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Using a seat cushion is especially important for flights that will last more than an hour, since it reduces the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can be daunting. However, with the proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, air travel with your power chair is possible.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to get your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and ensure it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip.
Based on the model of chair you own It could be required to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the website case, it is helpful to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions in order to aid the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide electric small wheelchair as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any removable items and make sure that all controls are functioning before leaving for the airport.
When you arrive at here the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the plane. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra fees to store assistive devices, like electric chairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, since it allows them to avoid unnecessary expenses.
A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit down the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your power wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as is possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It may seem daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with the proper planning and following the guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new destinations. It is essential to keep in mind that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people who have mobility issues. If you're traveling with a wheelchair or a scooter can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's important that you follow the airline's guidelines for taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines allow you to take an electric wheelchair on your trip as you've prepared it for travel. Certain airlines may require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a medical more info note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your power chair. Certain airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered part of your chair, and then place it in an enclosure that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours prior to your departure time to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. Bring any documentation you might require to the airport, like your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will make it easier mobility electric chair for the process of checking in and will prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
If you are at the ticket counter of your airline or gate, be sure to be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any accessories you might require like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft with an adapted cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book an direct flight to cut down on the amount of times your equipment is moved between locations.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair, just as they would with your luggage. Take a photo of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.