What Is Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
What Is Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few things you should consider when traveling with an electric chair. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you many questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have this information in your possession prior to you leave for the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that meet the regulations for air travel.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and stowed safely on airplanes. The FAA will approve them for use on flights and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. In addition they'll be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or roads that are muddy. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending that allows them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the gates for boarding. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive one hour prior to the departure time you have scheduled This is crucial during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes for the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and it's first come, first served. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the scooter or wheelchair, because federal regulations require they must be removed from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to prevent unintentional activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring electric wheelchairs or scooters aboard their flights. They also request that you check-in an hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so airport personnel can gather details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are made for secure and comfortable travel. They can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size handling, stowage, and handling. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist in planning your itinerary and give you the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety. You can then put it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed, and that it is stowed upright.
Depending on your airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following information including your name address, address, phone number and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment in case it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to allow you to remain in your chair during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment storage. Arriving earlier than this is even better if possible particularly during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the airline representative to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you travel to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during your flight. This will give you leverage in pursuing compensation for any damages from the airline. Consider bringing along cushions to make the trip as comfortable as you possibly can. Using a seat cushion is especially important for flights that last more than read more an hour, since this will minimize pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
For those traveling using an approved airline electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is a daunting prospect. Air travel with a power chair is achievable with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations.
Talk to an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check into your seat, whether it is at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure it is safely stored to be ready for your trip.
Depending on the kind of chair you own, it may be required to disassemble it prior to transport. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly in order to aid the staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also a good idea to more info attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, such as the owner's manual as well as warranty information. You should also remove any accessories that are removable and ensure that all controls work before leaving for the airport.
When you arrive at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the plane. The airlines are prohibited from charging you a fee to stow assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for passengers with disabilities, since it allows them to save money.
A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can fit down the aisle of the aircraft when the plane arrives. Then, you can disembark, and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel in read more an electric chair, but with the proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new places. The most important thing to remember is that if you are uncomfortable in your chair, you'll never take advantage of the freedom that travel provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for those who have mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the trip less stressful for you, but it's important to adhere to the guidelines of your airline for the transportation and storage of your chair on board the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact your airline prior to your departure to inquire about their policies and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines allow you to bring an electric chair on your flight, so provided you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines require you to discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with a power wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered part of your chair and then place it in a case that is protected.
Once you're at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, like the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and avoid confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
Upon arriving at the counter for check here tickets or at the gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Explain the type of wheelchair you have and any necessary accessories like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft with a specialized cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, try to take a direct website flight which will reduce the number of times that your equipment will be moved between different locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo area along with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair, the same way they would with your luggage. Take a picture of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.