This Is The History Of Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair In 10 Milestones
This Is The History Of Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair In 10 Milestones
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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are several aspects to be considered. The airport staff and at the airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to handle it.
Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with the air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA can approve them for use on flights and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. In addition they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or muddy roads. They can also be equipped with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will provide assistance for your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter to the boarding gate. It is essential to call the airline ahead of time to ensure they are aware of any specific needs and confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Some airlines require you to arrive an hour before your departure time, which is important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows 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 inspected in conjunction with the scooter or wheelchair, as federal regulations require that they must be removed from the device unless the chair is equipped with a safe design to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when taking an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also request to check-in at least an hour prior to your flight time to ensure proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain assembly/disassembly information and other helpful details about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer an efficient and safe way to travel. These electric chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size and handling, as well as 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 itinerary and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and then place it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is safely stowed in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your telephone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it is lost or mishandled on your trip. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will help you remain in your seat during transfers with airport and airline personnel.
It is recommended to arrive at at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that the proper storage of your equipment is accomplished. If possible, arrive earlier than two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the airline representative to assist you in stowing your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to traveling. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you leverage in pursuing compensation for damages from the airline. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make the trip as comfortable as you can. A seat cushion is essential for flights that last over an hour, as it will reduce the pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can be daunting. But, with the right preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, traveling using your electric chair is attainable.
Contact an airline representative before making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best way to check in your chair, whether it is at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it is properly stored for your trip.
Depending on the kind of chair you own It may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the case, it's helpful to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions on hand to help the staff of the airline handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, like the owner's manual as well as warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable accessories before you travel to the airport and to ensure all controls are functioning properly.
Once you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the airplane. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a wonderful benefit for passengers with disabilities, since it allows them to avoid unnecessary expenses.
A representative from the airline will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can fit down the aisle of the aircraft once the plane lands. You can then disembark and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or at the gate.
Traveling with an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new destinations with ease. The most important thing to remember is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never be able to enjoy the freedom that travel affords.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for people with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it is important to follow the guidelines of your airline for bringing and stowing your chair on board the airplane. Contact the airline prior to departure to inquire about their policy on power chairs, and to inquire about any questions.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a physician's letter prior to allowing you to fly with a power wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case.
Get to the airport at least two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, like the owner's manual as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure you be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Explain the type of wheelchair you have and any necessary accessories, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the plane using an adapted cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to take a direct flight which will minimize the number of times your equipment is moved between different locations.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane, it will be stowed in the all terrain electric wheelchair cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to capture a photo before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.