Why Adding Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair To Your Life Will Make All The Difference
Why Adding Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair To Your Life Will Make All The Difference
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many things to consider when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions regarding the dimensions of your chair, battery type and how to handle it.
Make sure you have this information ready prior to your trip to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and safely stowed on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for air travel and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll 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 drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the gates for boarding. It is essential to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure that they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your departure time which is crucial during busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and it's first come, first served. They also require that any additional batteries be checked as part of the scooter or wheelchair because federal regulations require they be disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with an effective design to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check in an hour before your flight, to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide an efficient and safe method of travel. These power chairs are made to fold up and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. If you're planning to fly with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and then place it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is secured in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you use, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name address, number, and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you with 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 help you to seek compensation for the damages from the airline. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make your flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce the pressure on your skin making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can be a daunting task. Air travel with a power chair is feasible with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best way to check into your seat, whether it is at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, it's advised to arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and make sure that it will be stowed safely for your trip.
Based on the model of power chair you own It may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. You should also take off any removable items and ensure that all controls are functioning before you depart for the airport.
When you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and then stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging you a cost to store assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for those with disabilities as it helps them avoid unnecessary expenses.
Once the plane is in the air, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to slide into the aisle of the aircraft. You will then be able to board the plane, and your power wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as you can, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It may seem daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with right planning and following guidelines you can have fun exploring new destinations. It is crucial to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility problems. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the experience less stress-inducing for you, but it's essential to follow the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure travel electric wheelchair to contact your airline prior to your travels to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair on your flight, as provided you prepare it for travel. Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will need a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with a power wheelchair. Some airlines may also demand that you remove the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in an enclosure that is protected.
Make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including the owner's manual here as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets or gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Provide a description of wheelchair with electric motor your wheelchair and any other accessories you may need like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline whether they will be get more info storing your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for stowage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an express flight to reduce the amount of times your equipment wheelchair electric scooter is moved between different 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 does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair like they do with your luggage. Take a photo of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.