Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Tools To Streamline Your Life Everyday
Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Tools To Streamline Your Life Everyday
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are several things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you many questions about your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have this information ready before you go to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "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 carried and stowed safely on airplanes. They will typically have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stowed underneath the plane as checked baggage. They can also move on rough surfaces such as deceleration stripes, gravel, brick or muddy road. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to make sure they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet your needs. Certain airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to your scheduled departure time which is essential during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. This space is limited, and it's first come, first served. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be checked by the wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight time so that they can ensure the 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 pertinent information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is safely stowed in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your number, and your wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event that it is lost or mishandled on your trip. You may also want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that allow you to remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airline and airport personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If you are able be there earlier than two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This is particularly crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to arrive early and allows plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you in read more stowing your chair.
Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline in case of damages. You should also consider bringing cushions for your seats, so that the flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. A seat cushion is especially important for flights that will last over an hour, as it will reduce the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is an overwhelming experience. However, with proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, more info air travel using your electric chair is attainable.
Speak to an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you in the best direction, whether you prefer to check-in your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Based on the model of power chair you have It may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions on hand to help the airline personnel handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, such as the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any accessories that can be removed prior to when you leave for the airport, and to make sure all the controls are working properly.
Once you arrive at the airport your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you a fee to stow assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for people with disabilities as it allows them to avoid unnecessary costs.
An airline employee can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that will fit on the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. You will then be able to disembark, and your power check here wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with the proper planning and following the guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new locations. It is important to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to travel with the freedom it affords.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for those who have mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it's essential to follow your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines will allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a doctor's letter prior to allowing you to fly with your powered wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you take down the battery powered portion of your chair, and place it into a case that is safe.
Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your departure. It's recommended to bring any documentation, including the owner's manual as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
On arrival at the counter for tickets or gate, make certain to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Provide the type of wheelchair you have and any other accessories you may require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be storing your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for storage. If you're taking a 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 your equipment is moved between different locations.
Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo compartment with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photograph of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.