Your Family Will Be Grateful For Having This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Your Family Will Be Grateful For Having This Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are many aspects to be considered. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you numerous questions regarding the dimensions of your chair, battery type and how to handle it.
Make sure you have these details ready before you go to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with the regulations for air travel.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and safely stowed on planes. The FAA can approve them for travel on planes and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. Additionally, they will be able to move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or muddy roads. They could also be equipped with an exclusive power drive system that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or lifts.
Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate to board. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to make sure they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet those needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time which is crucial during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and it's first come first served. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair, as federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a safe design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check in one hour before your flight, to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions as well as other useful details about your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These power chairs are made to fold up and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. If you are planning to travel with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the latest information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you remove your wheelchair's battery for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is secured in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your telephone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is lost or mishandled during your journey. You might also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which help you remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airline and airport personnel.
You should arrive at at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is done. If you are able you can arrive earlier than two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This lets you check in earlier and gives plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during your flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for damages. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make your flight as comfortable as possible. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights that last more than an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin, and will prevent soreness.
Check-In
For those who travel with an airline approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane could be an intimidating experience. Traveling with a power chair is achievable with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to help you navigate in the right direction, regardless of whether you prefer to check-in your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the kind of power chair you own, get more info it may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. In this case it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the go to help airline personnel who will handle your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, such as the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any removable items and ensure that all controls work before leaving for the airport.
Once you are at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are prohibited from charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for those who have disabilities, as it allows them to save money.
When the plane lands, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to slide in the aisle of the aircraft. You can then disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge or the gate.
It might be difficult to travel read more with an check here 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're not comfortable in your chair, you'll not be able to fully take advantage of the freedom that travel provides.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility problems. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, however it's important to adhere to the guidelines of your airline for transporting and stowing your chair on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to find out their policy regarding power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it to travel. Some airlines might require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some will need to have a doctor's recommendation on file before they will let you fly with your motorized chair. Certain airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in a case that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours before your departure time to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's important to bring any documentation, like the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
Upon arriving at the counter for tickets or gate, make certain to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Discuss your wheelchair and any other accessories you may require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining it for stowage. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an express flight to reduce the number of times your device is moved between different locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra 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.