Your Family Will Thank You For Getting This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Your Family Will Thank You For Getting This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things you should consider when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions regarding the dimensions of your chair 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 has "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with the regulations for air travel.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA can approve them for air travel and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. In addition they'll be able to navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or roads that are muddy. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system that permits them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to make sure they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time, which is especially important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and it's first come first served. The federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be checked by the wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are designed to stop 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 an hour prior to your flight so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful information regarding 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. These power chairs can be folded and comply with airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you plan to fly with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in planning your travel itinerary and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines ask that you take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and that it is safely stored upright.
Depending on your airline or airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information including your name, address, phone number and model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment if it gets lost or damaged during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will assist you in staying in your chair during transfers with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.
You should arrive at at two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that the proper storage of your equipment is accomplished. Being earlier than that is even better particularly during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the airline representative ample time to help you stow your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair prior to traveling. This can be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for damages. You should also think about bringing cushions for your seats so that your journey is as relaxing as possible for you. A seat cushion is especially important for flights that will last over an hour, as this will minimize pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be a daunting task. Air travel with a power chair is feasible with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Before booking your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the best direction, regardless of whether you prefer to make your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it's recommended that you arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure it is safely and properly stored for your journey.
Depending on the type of chair you own It could be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this case, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the table to aid airline employees who handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. You should also take off any removable items and ensure that all controls are functioning before leaving for the airport.
Once you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the airplane. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you a cost to store assistive devices like power wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for passengers who have disabilities, as it allows them to save money.
When the plane lands at the airport, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit in the aisle of the aircraft. You will then be able to board the plane, and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as is possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It may seem daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with right planning and following the rules, you can enjoy exploring new destinations. The most important thing to remember is that if you are not comfortable in your chair, you'll not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that traveling offers.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for passengers who have mobility problems. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, but it is important to follow your airline's policies for the transportation and storage of your chair on board the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines will allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your trip as you've prepared it for travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to fly with a power wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered component of your chair and put it in a protective case.
Make sure you small electric wheelchair for indoors uk arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. It's recommended to bring any documentation, such as your owner manual and any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will help speed up the process of checking in and will help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
If you are at the airline ticket counter or gate, make sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Be sure to describe the kind of wheelchair you own and any accessories you require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a separate cart or checking it for storage. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book a direct flight to minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment, just like checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a photo of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.