Your Family Will Be Grateful For Having This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Your Family Will Be Grateful For Having This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many aspects to take into consideration 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 these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that comply with the air travel regulations.
What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and safely stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for use on flights, and they can be stowed under the plane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or roads that are muddy. They can also be equipped with a unique drive system which allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. It is crucial to contact the airline in advance to ensure that they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they can meet the requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive at least an hour prior to your scheduled departure, which is especially important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and on an initial-come first-serve basis. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected as part of the wheelchair or scooter, since federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request that you check in an hour before your flight, to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful information regarding your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient method of travel. These power chairs are made to fold and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can assist you in planning your trip and give you the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety purposes and place it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is safely stowed in an upright position.
Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your phone number, and your wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it is stolen or mishandled during your journey. You may also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If possible you can arrive at least two hours earlier than your departure time. This is particularly crucial during busy holiday times or 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, take a picture of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline in case of damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make the trip as comfortable as you possibly can. A seat cushion is especially important for flights that will last over an hour, as it reduces the pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
For those traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, the process of boarding a plane can be an overwhelming experience. But, with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, flying using your electric chair is attainable.
Talk to an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check-in your chair whether at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, it's recommended to arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that it's safely and properly stored for your trip.
Based on the model of power chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline employees handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, like the owner's manual or warranty information. Also, take off any removable items and make sure whether all controls function before you leave for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for those who have website disabilities, as it helps more info them avoid costly expenses.
Once the plane is in the air at the airport, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to one that is able to fit in the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with proper planning and following the guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new destinations. It is essential to keep in mind that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you won't be able to travel with the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people who suffer from mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stress-inducing for you, but it's essential to follow your airline's policies for bringing and stowing your chair on board the airplane. Contact the airline prior to departure to learn about their policies on power chairs and to inquire about any here questions.
Most airlines allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your trip as long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to taking off here and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your power wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair and place it in a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours before your departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, such as your owner manual and any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and can prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
Upon arriving at the counter for tickets or at the gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Explain your wheelchair check here as well as any other accessories you may require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be examining your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the aircraft with an appropriate cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book an direct flight to cut down on the number of times your device is moved between locations.
Once your wheelchair has been 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. Take a photo of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.