Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things you should consider when traveling with an electric chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you many questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have this information prepared before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that are compliant with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and safely stowed on planes. The FAA can approve them for use on flights and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore, they will be able to move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter to the gate for boarding. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet those needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before the time of departure which is crucial 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. The space is limited and operated on an initial-come first-serve basis. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected in conjunction with the scooter or wheelchair, because federal regulations require they must be removed from the device unless it is equipped with an effective design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight time so that they can ensure proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions as well as other useful information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed for comfortable and safe travel. These power chairs are made to fold and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you're planning to travel 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 in preparing your itinerary 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 you to remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and then place it into a carryon bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in an upright position.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it gets lost or is mishandled during your journey. You might also consider purchasing aftermarket slings, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. Being earlier than that is even better especially during get more info busy holiday times or during 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.
Take a picture of your wheelchair before you travel. This serves as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for damages. It is also advisable to bring an extra cushion for your seat so that your journey is as relaxing as possible for you. Cushions for seats are essential when you travel for more than an hour. They can reduce the more info pressure on your skin and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an click here aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be daunting. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is feasible with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, talk to website an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check in your chair regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that it's safely and properly stored for your trip.
Depending on your power chair It could be necessary to disassemble it before transportation. If this is the case, it's helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to help the airline personnel handling your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, including the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable accessories before you leave for the airport, and to make sure all of the controls are working properly.
When you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra for stowing assistive devices like electric chairs. This is a wonderful benefit for passengers with disabilities, because it can help them avoid costly expenses.
A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can be able to fit into the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new locations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will not be able to get more info fully enjoy the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for people with mobility problems. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it's important to adhere to the guidelines of your airline for the transportation and storage of your chair on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policies and ask any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, so provided you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines may require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a medical note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly with your electric chair. Certain airlines may also require that you remove the battery powered portion of your chair and place it in an enclosure that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours before your departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's important to bring any documentation, like your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets or gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Be sure to describe the type of wheelchair you have and any accessories you require, such as cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for storage. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to make a direct flight which will cut down on the number of times that your equipment will be transferred between various locations.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair, like they do with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.