Traveling With an Airline Approved small electric wheelchairs Wheelchair

There are many 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 about your chair’s dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.

Be sure to have this information at hand before you head to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has “air-safe” batteries that are in compliance with air travel regulations.

What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and safely stowed on planes. They usually have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel. They can be tucked under the plane as checked luggage. They can also maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes, bricks or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet your needs. Some airlines require you to arrive an hour before your departure time which is essential in busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited and is first come, first serve. Federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also request that you check in an hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure secure and comfortable travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can assist you in planning your trip and give you the most current information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair for safety purposes and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery’s terminals aren’t exposed, and that it is placed upright.

Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which aid you in staying in your Wheelchair Electric Scooter while you travel with airport and airline personnel.

Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. Arriving earlier than this is even better if possible particularly during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you in stowing your chair.

Before you travel, take a picture of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for any damages. Consider bringing along an extra cushion for your seat to make the flight as comfortable as you can. The use of a cushion for your seat is essential for flights that last over an hour, as this will minimize pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.

Check-In

For those traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is a daunting prospect. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is possible with the proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.

Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They’ll be able to guide you in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to get your seat at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it’s advised to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it’s safely stowed for your trip.

Depending on the model of your power chair It could be necessary for you to disassemble the chair prior to transportation. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist airline personnel handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair, like the owner’s manual or warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any accessories that can be removed prior to when you go to the airport and also to ensure that all the controls are functioning properly.

Once you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the airplane. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra for stowing assistive devices such as power chairs. This is a huge benefit for those with disabilities since it allows them to avoid costly expenses.

When the plane lands, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit in the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane’s door as is possible or at the jet bridge or at the gate.

It may seem daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with right planning and following guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new destinations. It is important to remember that if you don’t feel comfortable in your chair you won’t be able to enjoy the freedom it provides.

Check-Out

Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for people who have mobility issues. If you’re traveling with a wheelchair or a scooter can make your trip more enjoyable. However, it’s crucial to adhere to the airline’s policies regarding bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to find out their policy regarding power chairs and to ask any questions.

Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it properly to travel. Some airlines require that you charge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a doctor’s letter to allow you to fly with your cheap power chairs wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you disassemble the battery powered portion of your wheelchair, and place it into a protective case.

When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours before the time of departure so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you may need to the airport, including your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up check-in process and help avoid confusion regarding your airline’s policies regarding wheelchairs.

When you arrive at the ticket counter of your airline or at the gate, be sure to communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you’re using and any other accessories you may require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for storage. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book a direct flight to minimize the number times your equipment is moved between different locations.

After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo area along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a picture of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.