Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Tools To Simplify Your Day-To-Day Life
Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Tools To Simplify Your Day-To-Day Life
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are several things to consider. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have this information ready before you go to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and stowed securely on planes. The FAA can approve them for use on flights and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. In addition they'll be able to navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They could also have an exclusive power drive system that permits them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline in advance to ensure that they are aware of any specific needs and to confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time, which is especially important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin that can be used for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited and it's first come, first serve. Federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when taking electric wheelchairs or scooters on their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to your flight to ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. In addition, they ask that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions as well as other useful information regarding your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These chairs are designed to fold up and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and stowage. If you plan to travel with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is safely stowed in a straight position.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, address, your phone number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may also want to look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will help you remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airline and airport personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is completed. If possible be there earlier than two hours before your departure time. This is particularly crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check in earlier and gives ample time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Before you travel to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your device is damaged during your flight. This will give you leverage to seek compensation for the damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring an extra cushion for your seat to ensure that your flight is as relaxing as possible for you. A seat cushion is particularly important for flights that last longer than an hour, because it reduces the pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
For those who travel with an airline approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is an intimidating experience. But, with the right preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, air travel using your electric chair is possible.
Before you book your flight, speak to 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 get your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is recommended. This gives all terrain electric wheelchair uk the airline ample time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it will be safely towed for your journey.
Based on the power chair you have It may be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to transportation. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the airline employees handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, including the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable accessories before you go to the airport and to ensure all of the controls are working properly.
Once you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. The airlines aren't allowed to charging an additional cost to store assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is a wonderful benefit for passengers with disabilities, because it can help them avoid costly expenses.
Once the plane is in the air at the airport, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to slide in the aisle of the aircraft. You can then disembark and your wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the aircraft door or at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
It may seem daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new destinations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if uncomfortable in your chair, you'll never take advantage of the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for people who have mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow the guidelines of your airline for bringing and stowing your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your travels to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines will allow passengers to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight as long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will need a doctor's letter to allow you to travel with your power wheelchair. Some airlines may also demand that you remove the battery powered portion of your chair and then place it in 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 allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you might require to the airport, like your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in and prevent confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
If you are at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure to communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any other accessories you may require for example, seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for stowage. If you're transferring to the plane with your electric wheelchair, you should try to take a direct flight which will cut down on the number of times your equipment is moved between various locations.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo area along 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 is damaged, you must take a picture of it prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.