What Is Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair And How To Use It?
What Is Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair And How To Use It?
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are many aspects to be considered. The airport staff and the airline will inquire about your chair, its dimensions, battery type, and how to handle it.
Be sure to have all of these details in hand prior to you head to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that meet the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stowed on planes. They typically come with non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel. They can be stowed underneath the plane as checked luggage. They will also be able move on rough surfaces such as deceleration stripes, gravel, bricks or muddy roads. They may also have a patented power drive system that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or lifts.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the gates for boarding. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and confirm that they can meet those needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive at least an hour prior to your scheduled departure, which is especially important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and on an initial-come first-serve basis. 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 it is equipped with an effective design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when taking an electric wheelchair or scooter aboard their flights. They also request that you check-in an hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are made for secure and comfortable travel. They can be folded and comply with airline standards for battery size and handling, as well as stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the latest details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you take the wheelchair's battery out of the way to ensure safety and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed and it is stored upright.
Depending on the airline you travel with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, 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 want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will help you remain in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
You should always arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is done. Being earlier than that is even better if possible, especially during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to travel. This can be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline for damages. It is also advisable to bring a seat cushion with you, so that the flight is as relaxing as possible for you. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights that last more than an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin and click here will prevent soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling using an approved airline electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is an intimidating experience. However, with the proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, flying 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 help you navigate in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to get your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In any case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and ensure that it will be stowed safely for your journey.
Based on the power chair you have It could be necessary to disassemble the chair prior to transport. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable items prior to you travel to the airport and also to ensure that all controls are in working order.
Once you are at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the plane. The airlines are not allowed to charging you a fee to stow assistive devices like power wheelchairs. This is a wonderful benefit for people with disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.
After the plane has landed in the air, a representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit in the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible location to the aircraft door or at the jetbridge or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with the proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new places. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll not be able to fully take advantage of the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can here be extremely stressful for people who suffer from mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, however it's important to adhere to your airline's policies for the transportation and storage of your chair on board the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.
Most airlines will allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared for travel. Certain airlines will require you to power chair amazon discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a physician's letter to allow you to fly with your electric wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered component of your chair and then place it in a protective case.
Make sure you arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before departure. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, like your owner manual and any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and help avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the airline's ticket counter or gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Discuss your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require, such as seat cushions get more info or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for stowage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to take a direct flight which will reduce the number of times your equipment will be transferred between different locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment along with your check here checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair, the same way they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to take a picture of it prior to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.