10 Healthy Habits For A Healthy Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
10 Healthy Habits For A Healthy Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are many things to consider when traveling with a powered chair. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you numerous questions about your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.
Be sure to have all these details in hand prior to you leave for the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that comply with air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and stowed securely on airplanes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes, and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. They can also maneuver on rough surfaces, such as deceleration stripes, gravel, bricks or muddy roads. They could also be equipped with an exclusive power drive system that allows them to navigate in tight spaces, or elevators.
The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to make sure they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet your needs. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure time, which is important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes that allows for the stowage and storage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is not large enough and is first come, first served. The federal regulations also demand that all batteries added to the system be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are specifically designed to stop accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour before your flight so that they can ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. In addition, they ask to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful information about your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer the most secure and comfortable method of travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they comply with airline guidelines 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. They can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the latest information on battery requirements. They can also provide assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and put it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is secured in a upright position.
Depending on the airline you fly with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, address, your phone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may also want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will help you remain in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.
You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that get more info your equipment is in good stowage. If you arrive earlier than this, it get more info is even better if possible particularly during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the representative of get more info the airline plenty of time to help you stow your chair.
Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for any damages. You should also think about bringing a seat cushion with you, so that the flight is as relaxing as possible for you. The use of a cushion for your seat is especially important when you travel for over an hour, as this will minimize pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.
Check-In
If you are traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, boarding a plane can be an overwhelming experience. Traveling with a power chair is possible with the proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations.
Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to help you navigate in the right direction, whether you prefer to get your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. read more In either case, arriving one hour lightweight power chairs prior to your flight is recommended. This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and make sure that it is safely stored for your journey.
Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary to disassemble it prior to it is transported. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline employees handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, like the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable accessories before you go to the airport and also to ensure that all the controls are functioning properly.
Once you arrive at an airport, your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional fee to stow assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is a wonderful benefit for people with disabilities, as it helps them save money.
An airline employee will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. After disembarking, 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.
It may seem daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with right planning and following guidelines you can have fun exploring new places. The most important thing to remember is that if you're not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll never enjoy the freedom that traveling provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for people who have mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the trip less stress-inducing for you, but it's essential to follow your airline's policies for the transportation and storage of your chair on board the plane. Contact the airline in advance to find out their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions.
Most airlines will allow passengers to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight as provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines might require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a medical note on file prior to being able to let you fly with your power chair. Certain airlines may also require that you disassemble the battery-powered part of your chair and place it in a protective case.
Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your flight. It's important to bring any documentation, including 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 the check-in and prevent confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.
Upon arriving at the ticket counter or gate, make certain to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any other accessories you may need, such as seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage, or if it will be transferred to the aircraft with a specialized cart. If you're transferring to the plane with your electric wheelchair, try to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the amount of times your equipment will be transferred between different locations.
Once your wheelchair is on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing a wheelchair or scooter. Take a picture of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Inform the airline immediately.