What You Can Use A Weekly Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Project Can Change Your Life
What You Can Use A Weekly Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Project Can Change Your Life
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are a few aspects to be considered. Airport and airline staff will ask you numerous questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how to handle it.
Be sure to have all of this information at hand before you head to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with the air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stored on planes. They usually have an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stored under the plane as checked luggage. They can also maneuver on rough surfaces such as deceleration stripes, gravel, roads that are muddy or brick. They can also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the gates for boarding. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those requirements. 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 cabins for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited, and it's first come first served. They also require that any additional batteries be checked as part of the scooter or wheelchair since federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with a safe design to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also request to check-in one hour prior to your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other information regarding your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed for secure and comfortable travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and storage. If you plan to fly with your airline of preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide you with instructions for assembly and disassembly. 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 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, address, your telephone number, and your wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will help you remain in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
You should always arrive at at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure the proper storage of your equipment is accomplished. Being earlier than that is even better if possible particularly during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This lets you check-in early and gives the airline representative ample time to help you stow your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to travel. This will serve as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in pursuing compensation for any damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring an extra cushion for your seat to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. Using a seat cushion is essential for flights that last longer than an hour, because it reduces the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is accepted by the airline can be daunting. Air travel with a power chair is possible with the right preparation and indoor electric wheelchair compliance with rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They'll be able to guide you in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to make your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it is advised to arrive at least an hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely to be ready for your trip.
Based on the model of chair you own It could be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. In this situation it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline employees who handle your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, like the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable accessories before you leave for the airport and to ensure all of the controls are in working order.
When you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra fees for the stowing of assistive devices like power chairs. This is a great feature for people with disabilities, since it allows them to avoid costly expenses.
After the plane has landed in the air, a representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit into the aisle of the aircraft. You can then disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the shortest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
A trip with an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new locations easily. 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 provides.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for passengers who suffer from mobility problems. If you're traveling with mobility scooters or wheelchairs could make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it's important that you follow the airline's guidelines for bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to inquire about their policies and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines will allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight as provided it's prepared for travel. Certain airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding and others will need a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with your electric wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered part of your chair and put it inside a protective case.
Once you're at the airport, make 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 also a good idea to bring any documentation, including your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
On arrival at the ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require for example, seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for storage. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an express flight to reduce the number of times your device is moved between places.
Once your wheelchair is in the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment, just like checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to capture a photo prior to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.