10 Healthy Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Habits
10 Healthy Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Habits
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. The airport staff and airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to use it.
Make sure you have these details ready before you go to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that meet air travel regulations.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. Additionally, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They can also be equipped with a unique drive system that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the gates for boarding. It is important to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they are able to meet the requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to your departure time which is essential during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and is first come, first serve. Federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to you bring an electric wheelchair or scooter aboard their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour prior to your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful information regarding your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient method of travel. These power chairs can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you're planning to travel with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the latest information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair 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 safely stowed in an upright position.
Based on your airline or airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following information: your name address, address, phone number, and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event that it is lost or damaged during your travels. 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 and airline personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at at two hours before the departure time you have scheduled to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is done. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the airline representative plenty of time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This serves as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you the ability to seek compensation from the airline in case of damages. Consider bringing along cushions to make the flight as comfortable as you can. A seat cushion is essential for flights that last over an hour, as this will minimize the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be daunting. Air travel with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Speak to an airline representative before making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best way to check into your seat whether at the ticket counter or the gate. In any case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely stowed to be ready for your trip.
Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it before transportation. In this situation it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the table to aid airline personnel who will handle your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any accessories that can be removed prior to when you leave for the airport, and to make sure all controls are in working order.
When you arrive at an airport, your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and then stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra to store assistive devices, such as power chairs. This is a great feature for people with disabilities, as it helps them save money.
A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that will fit on the aircraft aisle when the plane arrives. You will then be able to get off the plane and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as possible in either the jet bridge bariatric electric wheelchair or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with the proper planning and following the guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new locations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're not comfortable moving around click here in your chair, you will never enjoy the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for people who have mobility problems. If you're traveling with a wheelchair or a scooter can make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it's essential to follow 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 departure to inquire about their policy and ask any questions.
Most airlines will allow you to bring an electric wheelchair on your trip as provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will need a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with your electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also demand that you disassemble the battery powered portion of your wheelchair, and place it in an enclosure that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. Bring any documentation you might require to the airport, including your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up check-in process and avoid confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the airline's ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Be sure to describe the kind of wheelchair you're using and any necessary accessories like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage or the possibility of transferring it to the plane using an appropriate cart. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an express flight to reduce the number of times your device is moved between places.
Once your wheelchair here has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo area along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment arrives damaged, make sure you take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.