Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you many questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type as well as how it should be handled.

Make sure you have this information in your possession prior to you leave for the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.

What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for air travel, and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore, they will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, 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 assist you for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. It is essential to call the airline ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of any special requirements and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate these requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time, which is important in busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage and storage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair since federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to stop accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to your flight time to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient way to travel. They can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines for battery size and handling, as well as stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the latest details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and put it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is securely tucked away in a straight position.

Depending on your airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details including your name address, number and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment in case it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to buy aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to help you remain in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.

You should arrive at the airport 2 hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours before your departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to arrive early and allows ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.

Take a picture of your wheelchair before you travel. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in obtaining compensation for any damages from the airline. You should also think about bringing cushions for your seats, so that the flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Seat cushions are particularly important when you travel for more than an hour. They can reduce pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.

Check-In

The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can be a daunting task. But, with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, traveling with a power chair is feasible.

Contact an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best way to check into your seat whether at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and make sure that it will be stowed safely to be ready for your trip.

Depending on your power chair It could be necessary for you to disassemble it before it is transported. In this instance, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the table to aid airline personnel who will handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any accessories that can be removed prior to when you go to the airport and to ensure all of the controls are in working order.

Once you are at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the plane. The airlines are prohibited from charging you a cost to store assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for passengers with disabilities since it helps them save money.

An airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft when the plane arrives. After disembarking, your wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the aircraft door or at the jetbridge or at the gate.

Traveling with an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the thrill of exploring new locations easily. The most important thing to remember is that if you are uncomfortable in your chair, you'll never take advantage of the freedom that travel provides.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues. If you have mobility scooters or wheelchairs can make your trip more enjoyable. However, it's important that you follow the airline's policies regarding taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline before your trip to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered.

Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it for travel. Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will require a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with a power wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you take down the battery-powered part of your chair, and place it into a case that is safe.

Make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours before the time of departure to ensure that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to departure. It's recommended to bring any documentation, such as 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 can make sure that there is no confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.

When you reach the counter for tickets to airline or gate, be sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Be sure to describe the kind of wheelchair you're using and any accessories you require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be storing your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining it for storage. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book an direct flight to cut down on the amount of times your equipment is moved between different locations.

After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment along with other wheelchair lightweight electric checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, make sure you take a photograph before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.