What Is Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair And Why Is Everyone Speakin' About It?
What Is Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair And Why Is Everyone Speakin' About It?
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. Airport and airline staff will ask you a lot of questions regarding the dimensions of your chair, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have this information prepared before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that are compliant with the requirements for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are able to be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes, roads that are muddy or brick. They can also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the gate to board. It is however important to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet your needs. Some airlines require you to be at least an hour before your departure time, which is important during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage and storage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is not large enough and it's first come, first serve. The federal regulations also demand that all batteries added to the system be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check in one hour before your flight, to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so airport personnel can gather information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe method of travel. These chairs are designed to fold up and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and give you the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and then place it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed, and it is stored upright.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your telephone number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event that it is stolen or mishandled during your journey. You may want to buy aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will assist you in staying in your chair while you travel with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This lets you check in earlier and gives ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you travel, take a picture of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline in case of damages. You should also consider bringing cushions website for your seats to ensure that your flight is as relaxing as possible for you. A seat cushion is particularly important when you travel for over an hour, as this will minimize the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is an intimidating experience. Air travel with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Contact an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best way to check in your chair whether at the ticket counter or the gate. In either case, it's recommended that you arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure it is safely stored for your trip.
Based on the model of power chair you own It may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. In this situation it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the table to aid airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable accessories before you go to the airport and also to ensure that all controls are functioning properly.
When you arrive at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the airplane. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people who have disabilities, as it allows them to avoid unnecessary costs.
An airline employee will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that will fit on the aircraft aisle when the plane arrives. Then, you will be able to board the plane, and your wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as is possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
A trip with an electric wheelchair may seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new locations easily. It is essential to keep in mind that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for those with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, but it is important to follow the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on board the plane. Contact the airline ahead of time to learn about their policies regarding power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to take an electric wheelchair on your flight, so provided it's prepared for travel. Certain airlines might require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some will need to have a medical note in order to allow you to fly using get more info your motorized chair. Certain airlines may also require that you disassemble the battery powered portion of your wheelchair, and then place it in a case electric wheelchair chair that is safe.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for 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 the check-in and prevent confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
On arrival at the counter for tickets or gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Discuss your wheelchair and any accessories you might require for example, sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage or if it will be transferred to the aircraft using an adapted cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an express flight to reduce the amount of times your equipment is moved between places.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be 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 wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must take a picture of it before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.