20 Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Websites That Are Taking The Internet By Storm
20 Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Websites That Are Taking The Internet By Storm
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are several things you should consider when traveling with an electric chair. Airport and airline staff will ask you many questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have this information ready before you go to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are compliant 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 air travel and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. Additionally they'll be able to move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or muddy roads. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending which allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate to board. However, it is important to contact them prior to time to make sure they are aware of your requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet those needs. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure time which is essential in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected as part of the wheelchair or scooter, since federal regulations require that they must be removed from the device unless it is equipped with an effective design to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour before your flight, to 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 and other helpful details about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed for comfortable and safe travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and storage. If you're planning to travel with the airline of your choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can assist you in planning your travel itinerary and provide you with the latest information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and that it is placed upright.
Depending on the airline you travel with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your phone number, and your wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it gets lost or mishandled during your trip. You might also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will allow you to remain in your wheelchair during transfers with airline and airport personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at at least two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure that the proper stowage of your equipment is done. Being earlier than that is even better particularly during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This lets you check in early and provides ample time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair.
Take a photo of your wheelchair prior to travel. This will serve as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for the damages from the airline. You should also consider bringing a seat wheelchair with electric motor cushion with you so that your journey is as comfortable as possible for you. Seat cushions are especially important when you travel for more than an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline can be daunting. But, with the right preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, traveling with a power chair is feasible.
Contact an airline representative prior to making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check in your chair, whether it is at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is recommended. This gives the airline ample time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it will be stowed safely for your journey.
Depending on the model of your power chair, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to it is transported. In this case it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to assist the airline personnel who will handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable accessories before you travel to the airport and to ensure all of the controls are functioning properly.
Once you arrive at the airport, your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and then stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge extra fees for the stowing of assistive devices such as power chairs. This is a great feature for people with disabilities, as it helps them avoid costly expenses.
An airline employee can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. After disembarking, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft, either at the jetbridge, or at the gate.
It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines you can have fun exploring new destinations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never be able to enjoy the freedom that traveling provides.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for people who have mobility problems. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow the policies of your airline regarding bringing and stowing your chair on board the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact the airline before your trip to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered.
Many airlines will allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your trip as provided it's prepared for travel. Certain airlines will 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. Some airlines may also demand that you disassemble the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair, and place it into a case that is safe.
Once you're at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours before the time of departure to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's important to bring any documentation, such as your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and help avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the ticket counter of your airline or at the gate, be sure to be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Explain your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you may require like seats or here sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining it for storage. If you're transferring from your electric more info wheelchair to the plane, you should book an express flight to reduce the number of times your device is moved between locations.
After your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment is damaged, you must take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.