What Do You Do To Know If You're Prepared For Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
What Do You Do To Know If You're Prepared 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 several things to consider. The airport staff and the airline will inquire about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have all these details in hand prior to you travel to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that meet air travel regulations.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and stowed safely on planes. They will typically have a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. Furthermore, they will be able to move on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or roads that are muddy. They may also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. However, it is important to contact them prior to time to make sure they are aware of your requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet those needs. Certain airlines require you to be at least an hour before your departure time This is crucial in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and on an initial-come first-serve basis. Federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be removed unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also request to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent details about your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient method of travel. These power chairs can be folded and comply with airline standards for battery size and handling, as well as stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can assist you in preparing your itinerary and give you the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is secured in a straight position.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your phone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to allow you to remain in your chair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. Arriving earlier than this is even better if possible, especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the airline representative ample time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to travel. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you the ability to seek compensation from the airline for any damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make the flight as comfortable as you possibly can. A seat cushion is especially important when you travel for over an hour, as this will minimize the pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can be intimidating. However, with the proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, flying with a power chair is attainable.
Speak to an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the best direction, no matter if you prefer to get your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour prior to your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that it's safely stowed for your journey.
Depending on the kind of power chair you have, it may electric small wheelchair be required to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is more info the case, it's beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions on hand to help the staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, like the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any accessories that are removable and make sure whether all controls function before leaving for the airport.
Once you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be check here loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are prohibited from charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, since it allows them to avoid costly expenses.
After the plane has landed, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to slide in the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair is 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 the rules you will be able to enjoy exploring new destinations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never take advantage of the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for those with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, however it's essential to follow the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your travels to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, so long as you prepare it correctly for travel. Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a doctor's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your electric wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you take down the battery-powered part of your chair, and then place it in an enclosure that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours before the time of departure to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, including the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly 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.
When you arrive at the airline's ticket counter or at the gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Be sure to describe the kind of wheelchair you're using and any other accessories you may require, such off road electric wheelchair as 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're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to take a direct flight which will minimize the amount of times your equipment will be transferred between locations.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment along with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to take a photograph before leaving the airport and power chair prices immediately inform the airline.