15 Shocking Facts About Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair That You Never Known
15 Shocking Facts About Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair That You Never Known
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. Airport and airline staff will ask you a lot of questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have these details ready before you go to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and stowed securely on planes. They will typically have a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stowed underneath the plane as checked baggage. Additionally, they will be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They may also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate for boarding. It is crucial to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure they are aware of any specific needs and confirm that they can meet these requirements. Some airlines require you to be at least an hour before your scheduled departure time which is essential in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and it's first come, first serve. The federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to bringing an electric wheelchair or scooter aboard their flights. They also ask to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information regarding your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable way to travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist in planning your trip and give you the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines will 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 to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed, and that it is stored upright.
Based on your airline depending on your airline, you might be required to label your wheelchair with the following information including your name address, number, and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it is lost or damaged during your trip. You may also consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which help you remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
You should always arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished. If you are able you can arrive earlier than two hours prior to your departure time. This is particularly crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Before you leave to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during your flight. This will help you to seek compensation for the damages from the airline. You should also consider bringing a seat cushion with you to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Seat cushions are particularly important when you travel for more than an hour. They website reduce the pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can be a daunting task. Air website travel with a power chair is feasible with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Before you book your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn more click here about their policies and procedures. They can guide you in the best direction, regardless of whether you prefer to get your seat at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely stowed for your trip.
Depending on the type of power chair you own, it may be required to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to help the staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair, including the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable items prior to you go to the airport and to ensure all of the controls are working properly.
When you arrive at an airport your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and stowed. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you a cost to store assistive devices like power wheelchairs. This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities, because it can help them avoid costly expenses.
An airline employee can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which will fit on the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as possible in either the jet bridge or at the gate.
The idea of using an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to the guidelines, you can be able to experience the joy of exploring new places without difficulty. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're uncomfortable in your chair, you will not be able to fully take advantage of the freedom that travel provides.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers small electric wheel chair who have mobility problems. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow your airline's policies for the transportation and storage of your chair on the airplane. Contact the airline ahead of time to learn about their policies regarding power chairs and to inquire about any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it properly for travel. Certain airlines may require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a doctor's recommendation on file prior to being able to let you fly with your electric chair. Some airlines may also require that you remove the battery powered portion of your chair and place it into an enclosure that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you may need to the airport, including your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid. This will speed up check-in process and help avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the ticket counter of your airline or gate, be sure to communicate more info your mobility requirements clearly. Discuss your wheelchair and any other accessories you may need like seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the aircraft with a specialized cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book a direct flight to minimize the number times your equipment is moved between places.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must capture a photo before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.