Five Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Lessons From The Professionals
Five Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Lessons From The Professionals
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things you should consider when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Be sure to have all of this information in your possession prior to you head to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and stowed safely on airplanes. They will typically have an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stowed underneath the plane as checked luggage. In addition they'll be able to move on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, brick or roads that are muddy. They could also be equipped with a patented power drive system that enables them to move in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the boarding gates. However, it is important to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet your needs. Some airlines require you to be at least an hour before your scheduled departure time, which is important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are specifically designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information regarding your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable way to travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in preparing your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines will require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and place it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in an upright position.
Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your phone number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it is stolen or mishandled on your trip. You may also want to look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that aid you in staying in your wheelchair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at at least two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure the proper storage of your equipment is done. Arriving earlier than this is even better especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair before you travel. This will serve as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for damages. Consider bringing along cushions to make your flight as comfortable as possible. The use of a cushion for your seat is essential when you travel for more than an hour, since it will reduce the pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be intimidating. But, with the right preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, traveling with a power chair is possible.
Talk to an airline representative before making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you in the best direction, no matter if you prefer to check-in your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Depending on your power chair It may be necessary for you to disassemble it before it is transported. In this situation it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist more info the airline personnel who will more info handle your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, such as the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any removable items and ensure that all controls work before leaving for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra to store assistive devices, such as electric chairs. This is a huge benefit for those with disabilities since they can save money.
An airline employee can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can fit down the aisle of the aircraft once the plane lands. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new locations. The most important thing to remember is that if you are uncomfortable in your chair, you'll never be able to enjoy the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for passengers who have mobility issues. If you have an electric or wheelchair can make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it's crucial to adhere to the airline's guidelines for bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline before your trip to ask about their policy and ask any questions.
Many airlines will allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your flight, so provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a physician's letter to allow you to fly with a powered wheelchair. Some airlines may also demand that you disassemble the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair, and place it in a case that is safe.
Once you're at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours before your departure time to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including your owner's click here manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and can help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
Upon arriving at the ticket counter or gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Explain your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may need for example, seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for storage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, try to make a direct flight which will cut down on the amount of times your equipment will be moved between locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment, just like checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your more info equipment arrives damaged, you must take a picture of it prior here to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.