The Little Known Benefits Of Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
The Little Known Benefits Of Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many aspects to take into consideration when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you many questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have all of this information in your possession prior to you head to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and stowed safely on airplanes. They typically come with a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be tucked under the plane as checked luggage. They'll also be able to move on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration stripes, bricks or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. It is however important to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive at least an hour prior to the time of departure This is particularly important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and is first come, first serve. Federal regulations also require that any additional batteries be checked by the wheelchair or scooter. They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. They also request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful information regarding your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient way to travel. These power chairs can be folded and comply with airline standards for battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can assist you in planning your trip and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair for safety purposes and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals aren't exposed, and that it is stored upright.
Depending on the airline you travel with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it gets lost or is mishandled on your trip. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your chair during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel.
You should arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure the proper storage of your equipment is completed. Being earlier than that is even better if possible particularly during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the representative of the airline to assist get more info you in stowing your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This can be used as proof in the event that your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you ability to seek compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing cushions to make your flight as comfortable as possible. A seat cushion is essential for flights that last more than an hour, since it will reduce the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be intimidating. But, with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, traveling using your electric chair is possible.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you in the right direction, whether you prefer to get your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure it is safely stored for your trip.
Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary to disassemble it before transportation. In this instance it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the table to aid airline personnel who will handle your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair, like the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any accessories that are removable and check whether all controls function 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 plane. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional fee to stow assistive here devices like power wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for people with disabilities as it allows them to avoid unnecessary costs.
When the plane lands at the airport, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to slide down the aircraft aisle. You can then disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.
The idea of using an electric chair can be daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to the guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new destinations easily. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're not comfortable in your chair, you'll not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that traveling offers.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers who have mobility issues. If you're using a wheelchair or a scooter could make your trip more enjoyable. However, it's important that you follow the airline's guidelines regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to learn about their policies on power chairs and to inquire about any questions.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, so long as you prepare it correctly for travel. Some airlines require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to travel with your powered wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you take down the battery powered portion of your chair, and then place it in a case that is safe.
Once you're at the airport, make read more sure you arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, including your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will make it easier for the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair.
When you reach the airline ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to explain your mobility needs clearly. Explain the kind of wheelchair you own and any necessary accessories like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or examining it for storage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book a direct flight to minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between different locations.
After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo area along with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you extra to store your scooter or wheelchair, just as they would with your luggage. Take a picture of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.