Your Family Will Be Thankful For Having This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Your Family Will Be Thankful For Having This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things you should consider when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and at the airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to handle it.
Make sure you have this information ready before you go to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with the air travel regulations.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. They can also move on rough surfaces like deceleration stripes, gravel, bricks or muddy roads. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending that allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate to board. It is crucial to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any special requirements and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate these requirements. Some airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to your departure time This is crucial during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and is first come first served. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask to check-in at least an hour before your flight so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are made for secure and comfortable travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you are planning to fly with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in planning your trip and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety. You can then put it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed and that it is stowed upright.
Based on your airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following information including your name address, address, phone number and model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it should become lost or damaged during your trip. You may also want to look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that allow you to remain in your wheelchair during transfers with airline and airport personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that the proper storage of your equipment is completed. If you can, arrive earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make your flight as comfortable as possible. Seat cushions are especially important for flights lasting over an hour. They can reduce pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be daunting. However, with the proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, traveling using your electric chair is attainable.
Before you book your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check-in your chair, whether it is at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is suggested. This gives the airline ample time to examine your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely for your journey.
Based on the model of power chair you have, it may be required to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions on hand to help the airline employees handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable items prior to you leave for the airport and to ensure all the controls are functioning properly.
Once you arrive at the airport your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra for the stowing of assistive devices such as electric chairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, because it can help them save money.
After the plane has landed, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair is returned website to you at the closest possible location to the aircraft door or at the jetbridge or the gate.
It may seem daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with the right planning and following the rules you can have fun exploring new places. It is check here important to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be very stressful for those who have mobility issues. If you're traveling with an electric or wheelchair, it can make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it's important that you follow the airline's guidelines regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact your airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines will allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so you've prepared it for travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered part of your chair and place it into a case that is safe.
Get to the airport at least two hours before the time of departure to ensure that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to departure. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, like the owner's manual as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will speed up the process of checking more info in and will help avoid confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
When you arrive at the ticket counter or gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Discuss your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require for example, sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or if it will be transferred to the plane using a specialized cart. If you're get more info transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an direct flight to cut down on the number times your equipment is here moved between places.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair, the same way they would with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a photograph before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.