Five Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Lessons From The Professionals
Five Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Lessons From The Professionals
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things to consider when traveling with an electric chair. Airport and airline staff will ask you many questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have all these details in hand prior to you leave for the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and 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 will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or muddy roads. They may also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate to board. It is however important to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet your needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure which is crucial during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin that can be used for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. The space is limited and operates on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected in conjunction with the wheelchair or scooter, since federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a secure design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require that you check in an hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful details about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe method of travel. These power chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size and handling, as well as stowage. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in planning your travel itinerary and provide you with the latest information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way to ensure safety and put it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed, and it is stowed upright.
Depending on your airline depending on your airline, you might be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name, address, phone number and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it gets lost or is mishandled on your trip. You may also want to look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that help you remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airline and airport personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. Arriving earlier than this is even better particularly during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the airline representative plenty of time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during your flight. This will give you leverage in obtaining compensation for any damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring an extra cushion for your seat so that your journey is as comfortable as it can be for you. The use of a cushion for your seat is especially important when you travel for over an hour, as it reduces the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be intimidating. However, with proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, traveling with a power chair is attainable.
Talk to an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best way to check-in your chair, whether it is at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour prior to your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and make sure that it is safely stored for your trip.
Depending on the model of your power chair It could be necessary to disassemble it prior to transportation. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the staff of the airline handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable accessories before you leave for the airport, and to make sure all controls are in working order.
When you arrive at an airport, your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you a cost to store assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for people with disabilities as they can save money.
When the plane lands at the airport, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to slide in the aisle of the aircraft. You will then be able to board the plane, and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as is possible in either the jet bridge or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to the guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new locations without difficulty. It is essential to keep in mind that if you do not feel comfortable in electric wheelchair uk your chair, you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for those who have mobility issues. If you're using a wheelchair or a scooter can make your trip more enjoyable. However, it is important that you follow the airline's policies regarding taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline in advance to learn about their policies regarding power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight as you've prepared it for travel. Certain airlines may require you to charge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a doctor's recommendation on file before they will let you fly with your electric chair. Some airlines will also require you to remove the battery-powered portion of your chair and put it in a protective case.
Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. Bring any documentation you might need to the airport, including your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in and prevent confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
Upon arriving at the airline's ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Explain the type of wheelchair you have and any other accessories you may require, such as cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage or if it will be transferred to the aircraft using an appropriate cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, you should try to make a direct flight which will cut down on the number of times your equipment will be moved between locations.
Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment along with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.