Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to consider. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you many questions about your chair's dimensions, battery type and how to handle it.

Make sure you have all of this information at hand before you leave for the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that meet air travel regulations.

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 use on flights and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. They can also maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes, brick or muddy road. They could also have a patent-pending power drive system that permits them to navigate in tight spaces, or elevators.

Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the boarding gate. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to make sure they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive one hour prior to your scheduled departure time, which is important during busy travel periods.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough and it's first come first served. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when bringing an electric motor wheel chair wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also request to check-in one hour before your flight so that they can ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. Additionally, they request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful information regarding your mobility chair or power scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient way to travel. These electric chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines for battery size and handling, as well as stowage. If you plan to travel with the airline of your choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the latest information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is safely stowed in an upright position.

Based on your airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details including your name, address, phone number and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will help you remain in your chair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.

Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If possible 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 lets you arrive early and allows ample time for the airline representative to assist you with stowing your chair.

Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This will serve as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for any damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring a seat cushion with you, so that the flight is as comfortable as possible for you. A seat cushion is particularly important when you travel for longer than an hour, because it will reduce pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.

Check-In

The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can be intimidating. However, with the proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, air travel using your electric chair is attainable.

Speak to an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They'll be able to guide you in the right direction, regardless of whether you prefer to make your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and ensure that it will be safely towed for your journey.

Depending on the type of power chair you own, it may be required to disassemble it prior to transport. In this case, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the table to aid airline personnel who will handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. You should also remove any removable accessories and check that all controls work before you depart for the airport.

Once you are at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the airplane. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra for the stowing of assistive devices like electric chairs. This is an excellent benefit for passengers with disabilities, since it allows them to save money.

After the plane has landed at the airport, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to fit down the aircraft aisle. Then, you will be able to get off the plane and your power wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as you can, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.

It can be a bit daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with right planning and following guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new locations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're uncomfortable in your chair, you will not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that traveling affords.

Check-Out

Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be extremely stressful for those who have mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow your airline's policies for the transportation and storage of your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with a Power Chair prices chair, make sure to contact your airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.

Many airlines will allow you to take an electric wheelchair on your trip as long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines might require you to charge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a doctor's note on file before they will let you fly with your motorized chair. Some airlines will also require you to take apart the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair and place it in a case that is protected.

When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

If you are at the ticket counter of your airline or gate, make sure to be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide the type of wheelchair you have and any accessories you require, such as cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for stowage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an express flight to reduce the number times your equipment is moved between places.

After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo area along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a photograph before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.