What Experts In The Field Want You To Know?
What Experts In The Field Want You To Know?
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few aspects to take into consideration when traveling with an electric chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how to handle it.
Be sure to have all these details in hand prior to you leave for the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that are compliant with the requirements for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and safely stowed on planes. They typically come with an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stored under the plane as checked luggage. They can also move on rough surfaces, such as deceleration stripes, gravel, brick or muddy road. They may also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure that they are aware of any specific needs and confirm that they will be able to accommodate them. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of your scheduled departure This is particularly important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and operates on an initial-come first-serve basis. Federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are specifically designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour before your flight, to ensure proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to fill out 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
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your travel itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair for safety purposes and place it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is securely tucked away in a straight position.
Based on your airline depending on your airline, you might be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details including your name address, address, phone number and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is stolen or mishandled on your trip. You might also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that aid you in staying in your wheelchair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at at two hours before the departure time you have scheduled to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is completed. If you are able you can arrive earlier than two hours before your departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to travel. This can be used as proof in the event that your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you the ability to seek compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make the flight as comfortable as you can. Cushions for seats are essential for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce the pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane could be a read more daunting prospect. Air travel with a power chair is possible with the proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Speak to an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the best direction, regardless of whether you prefer to get your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour prior to your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely for your journey.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it's important to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist staff of the airline handling your chair. Attach any safety attendant controlled electric wheelchair or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any accessories that can be removed prior to when you travel to the airport and also to ensure that all of the controls are in working order.
When you arrive at the click here airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are prohibited from charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.
A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that will fit on the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. You will then be able to get off the plane and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new destinations. The most important thing to remember is that if uncomfortable in your chair, you'll never be able to take advantage of the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for those with mobility problems. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on the plane. Contact the airline click here ahead of time to find out their policy regarding power chairs and to ask any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to bring an electric wheelchair on your trip as provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines require that you charge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a physician's letter before they will allow you to fly with a electric wheelchair. Some airlines will also require you to disassemble the battery-powered part of your chair and put it in a protective case.
Once you're at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, like your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will help speed up the process of checking in and will prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
Upon arriving at the airline's ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility requirements. Discuss your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you might require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the plane using an adapted cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book an express flight to reduce the number times your equipment is moved between places.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment with other checked luggage. The click here U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to take a picture of it prior to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.