How To Know If You're In The Right Position For Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
How To Know If You're In The Right Position For Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are several aspects to be considered. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you numerous questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how it should be handled.
Be sure to have all this information in your possession prior to you travel to the airport. Also, ensure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that comply with the regulations for air travel.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and stowed securely on planes. They usually have a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be tucked under the plane as checked luggage. In addition they'll be able to move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or roads that are muddy. They could also be equipped with a patent-pending power drive system that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or lifts.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the gates for boarding. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and confirm that they can meet those needs. Some airlines require you to arrive an hour before your departure time This is crucial during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and operated on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected as part of the wheelchair or scooter, because federal regulations require they must be removed from the device unless it is equipped with a safe design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to your flight to ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information regarding your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed for safe and convenient travel. These chairs are designed to fold and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist in planning your trip and give you the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require you to remove your wheelchair's battery to ensure safety and put it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals aren't exposed, and that it is stored upright.
Based on your airline or airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details such as your name, address, phone number, and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is lost or mishandled during your journey. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better particularly during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.
Before you travel, take a picture of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your device is damaged during your flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring an extra cushion for your seat, so that the flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. The use of a cushion for your seat is particularly important when you travel for more than an hour, since this will minimize the pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be intimidating. However, with proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, flying with a power chair is attainable.
Before booking your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to learn more about their policies check here and procedures. They can guide you on the best way to check in your chair whether at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and ensure it is safely stored for your trip.
Based on the model of chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair check here for transport. In this situation it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline employees who handle your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair, like the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any accessories that are removable and check whether all controls function before you depart for the airport.
When you arrive at an airport your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and then stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for people with disabilities as they can avoid costly expenses.
When the plane lands, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit in the aisle of the aircraft. You can then disembark and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the closest check here possible location to the aircraft door, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the thrill of exploring new destinations with ease. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are uncomfortable in your chair, you will never enjoy the freedom that travel provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be extremely stressful for those with mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, however it's essential to follow your airline's policies for the transportation and storage of your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact your airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, as that you prepare it for travel. Some airlines might 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 power chair. Some airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered portion of your chair and put it in a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two check here hours prior to your scheduled departure time to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, like your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.
When you arrive at the airline ticket counter or at the gate, be sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any other accessories you may require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for storage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, check here which will reduce the number of times your equipment is moved between different locations.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. 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, make sure you take a photograph prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.