The Under-Appreciated Benefits Of Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
The Under-Appreciated Benefits Of Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things to consider when traveling with an electric chair. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you a lot of questions regarding the dimensions of your chair, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have this information ready prior to your trip to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that meet the requirements for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and stowed safely on planes. The FAA can approve them for air travel, and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. They will also be able maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes, brick or muddy road. They may also be equipped with a patented drive system which allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. It is crucial to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of the time of departure, which is especially important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage and storage 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 with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request to check-in one hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed for safe and convenient travel. These chairs are designed to fold up and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is safely stowed in a upright 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, address, your phone number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it should become lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also want to think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which allow you to remain in your wheelchair during transfers with airline and airport personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure proper stowage of your equipment is done. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better particularly during peak holiday periods 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.
Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for any damages from the airline. You should also think about bringing an extra cushion for your seat, so that the flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Cushions for seats are essential for flights lasting over an hour. They reduce pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
For those traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, the process of boarding a plane can be an intimidating experience. However, with the proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, flying using your electric chair is feasible.
Contact an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will be able to help you navigate in the right direction, whether you prefer to get your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is suggested. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and make sure that it is safely stored for your trip.
Depending on the model of your power chair It may be necessary for you to disassemble it before it is transported. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions in order to aid the airline personnel handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, like the owner's manual as well as warranty information. You should also take off any removable items and ensure that all controls work before you depart for the airport.
Once you are at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the plane. The airlines are prohibited from charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, as it helps them avoid unnecessary expenses.
A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that will fit on the aisle of the aircraft once the plane lands. After disembarking, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.
A trip with an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to the guidelines, you can be able to experience the joy of exploring new places with ease. The most important thing to remember is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll never be able to take advantage of the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, website and this can be stressful for passengers who suffer from mobility problems. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, however it's important to adhere to your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact the airline before your trip to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, as that you prepare it for travel. Some airlines may require you to charge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a medical note on file before they will allow you to fly using your motorized chair. Certain airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered part of your chair and put it in a case that is protected.
Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your flight. Bring any documents you need to the airport, like your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up 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 at the gate, be sure you be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any accessories you may need for example, sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for storage. If you're moving 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.
Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment is damaged, you must take a photograph prior to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.