What Is Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair And How To Use What Is Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair And How To Use
What Is Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair And How To Use What Is Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair And How To Use
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to consider. The staff at the airport and airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to use it.
Be sure to have all this information in your possession prior to you travel to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that comply with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines can be safely transported and stored on planes. They typically come with a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stowed underneath the plane as checked baggage. They can also move on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes, bricks 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 scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate for boarding. It is important to call the airline ahead of time to ensure they are aware of any specific needs and confirm that they can meet the requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure This is particularly important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes for the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and operated on an initial-come first-serve basis. The federal regulations also demand that all batteries added to the system be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so airport personnel can gather assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to offer the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These power chairs are made to fold and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in a straight position.
Based 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 enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is stolen or mishandled during your journey. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to assist you in staying in your chair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If possible, arrive earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you check in earlier and gives plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Before you travel to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for any damages. It is also advisable to bring a seat cushion with you to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. A seat cushion is essential for flights that last over an hour, as it reduces the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be daunting. However, with the proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, air travel with a power chair is possible.
Speak to an airline representative before making your reservation 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 counter for tickets or at the gate. In any case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that it is properly and properly stored for your journey.
Based on the power chair you have It may be necessary to disassemble it before transportation. In this case it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the table to aid airline employees who handle your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any removable items and check whether all controls function before leaving for the airport.
Once you arrive at the airport, your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge you extra for the stowing of assistive devices like power chairs. This is a wonderful benefit for passengers with disabilities, as it helps them avoid unnecessary expenses.
Once the plane is in the air in the air, a representative from the airline will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit in the aisle of the aircraft. You can then disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible location to the aircraft door or at the jetbridge or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new destinations. The most important thing to remember is that if not comfortable in your chair, you will never be able to take advantage of the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, but it is important to follow the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact the airline prior to your travels to inquire about their website policy and ask any questions.
Most airlines will let you bring an electric chair on your flight, so that you prepare it for travel. Some airlines require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a physician's letter before they will allow you to fly with a electric wheelchair. Some airlines will also require you to disassemble the battery-powered component of your chair and put it in a case that is protected.
Once you're at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure to allow your airline enough get more info time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, including the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, 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.
When you reach the counter for tickets to airline or gate, be sure you be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide the kind of wheelchair you own and any necessary accessories like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be examining your wheelchair for stowage, or whether it read more will be transported to the aircraft with a specialized cart. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book an express flight to reduce the number of times your device is moved between different locations.
Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to take a picture of it before you leave the airport and immediately inform the airline.