Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

There are a few things you should consider when traveling with an electric chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.

Make sure you have these details in hand prior to you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.

What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for use on flights and they can be stowed under the plane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes, brick or muddy road. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.

Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate to board. It is important to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before your scheduled departure This is particularly important in busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is limited and on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected as part of the scooter or wheelchair, because federal regulations require they are disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with an effective design to prevent accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring an electric wheelchair or scooter aboard their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour before your flight so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to complete their mobility wheelchairs electric Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions as well as other useful information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter.

Safety

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed for secure and comfortable travel. These power chairs are made to fold up and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the latest information on battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines will require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals aren't exposed, and that it is stored upright.

Depending on the airline you use, you may need to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your phone number, and your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and easily identify the equipment if it should become lost or mishandled 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 while you travel with airport personnel as well as airline personnel.

Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If you are able you can arrive earlier than two hours before your scheduled departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the airline representative ample time to assist you in stowing your chair.

Take a photo of your wheelchair before you travel. This will serve as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will help you to seek compensation for any damages from the airline. Consider bringing along cushions to make the trip as comfortable as you can. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights that last more than an hour. They reduce pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.

Check-In

For those who travel using an approved airline electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is a daunting prospect. Traveling with a power chair is achievable with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations.

Before you book your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check-in your chair whether at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely stowed for your trip.

Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to it is transported. In this situation it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the table to aid airline employees who handle your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair, such as the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any removable accessories and check that all controls are functioning before you depart for the airport.

Once you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging you a fee to stow assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is a great feature for people with disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.

After the plane has landed, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to one that can fit in the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you can disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible location to the aircraft door, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.

It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric powered wheelchairs chair, but with the right planning and following the rules you will be able to enjoy exploring new locations. The most important thing to remember is that if uncomfortable in your chair, you will never enjoy the freedom that traveling affords.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow your airline's policies for bringing and stowing your chair on board the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your travels to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.

Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, so that you prepare it correctly to travel. Some airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a physician's letter to allow you to fly with a electric lightweight wheelchairs wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you remove the battery powered portion of your wheelchair, and place it into a protective case.

Once you're at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours before your departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you may need to the airport, like your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.

When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure to be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Discuss your wheelchair and any accessories you may require, such as seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or examining it for stowage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, you should try to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the number of times your equipment will be transferred between various locations.

Once your Powerchair Wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it is stored in the cargo area along with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra for storing your wheelchair or scooter, like they do with your luggage. Take a picture of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.