7 Practical Tips For Making The The Most Of Your Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
7 Practical Tips For Making The The Most Of Your Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how it should be handled.
Be sure to have these details in hand prior to you head to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with the air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and stowed safely on planes. The FAA can approve them for travel on planes, and they can be kept under the plane as checked baggage. They can also move on rough surfaces like deceleration stripes, gravel, brick or muddy road. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system which allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the boarding gates. It is important to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure that they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate them. Certain airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to the departure time you have scheduled which is essential during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. The space is not large enough, and it's first come first served. The federal regulations also demand that all batteries added to the system be checked by the wheelchair or scooter. They must be removed unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also request to check-in one hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions as well as other useful information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide an efficient and safe method of travel. These chairs are designed to fold, and they comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and stowage. If you are planning to fly with your airline of preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist in preparing your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and place it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is securely tucked away in an upright position.
Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your telephone number, and the wheelchair model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it gets lost or damaged during your travels. You might also think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will aid you in staying in your wheelchair while you travel with airport and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If possible you can arrive at least two hours earlier than your scheduled departure time. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This lets you check-in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you with stowing your chair.
Photograph your wheelchair before you travel. This can be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage in obtaining compensation for damages from the airline. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make the flight as comfortable as you can. A seat cushion is particularly important when you travel for longer than an hour, because it will reduce pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can be daunting. Air travel with a power chair is achievable with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Contact an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check-in your chair, whether it is at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, it's advised to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure it is safely stowed to be ready for your trip.
Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary to disassemble it before transportation. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline employees handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and power chairs for sale warranty information. Also, remove any removable accessories and check amazon power chairs that all controls are functioning before you depart for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the airplane. The airlines are prohibited from charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices like power wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for passengers with disabilities, because it can help them save money.
Once the plane is in the air, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your power wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as is possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with the right planning and following the rules you will be able to enjoy exploring new locations. The most electric power chairs for sale important thing to keep in mind is that if not read more comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll never be able to take advantage of the freedom that travel provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for those with mobility issues. If you're using a wheelchair or a scooter, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's essential to follow the airline's policies regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your travels to ask about their policy and ask any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it for travel. Certain airlines might require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a doctor's recommendation on file before they will allow you to fly using your power chair. Certain airlines may also require that you take down the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair, and then place it in an enclosure that is protected.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you might require to the airport, like your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will make it easier for the check-in process and prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
When you reach the ticket counter of your airline or at the gate, be sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any accessories you require, such as cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for storage. If you're transferring to the plane with your electric wheelchair, you should try to make a direct flight which will minimize the number of times that more info your equipment will be moved between various locations.
Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo area along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment is damaged, you must take a picture of it before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.