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
When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are several aspects to be considered. Airport and airline staff will ask you a lot of questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how it should be handled.
Make sure you have this information in your possession prior to you head to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that comply with the air travel regulations.
What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?
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. Furthermore, they will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or roads that are muddy. They could also be equipped with an exclusive power drive system that enables them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.
The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and confirm that they can meet your needs. Some airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to the departure time you have scheduled, which is important during peak travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their aircrafts to allow the stowage of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. This space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked by the wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are specifically designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before you bring an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour prior to your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent details about your mobility chair or power scooter.
Safety
Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer the most secure and comfortable method of travel. They can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you're planning to travel with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is secured in a upright position.
Based on your airline depending on your airline, you might be required to label your wheelchair with the following information: your name address, address, phone number and model. This will allow airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it gets lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which help you remain in your wheelchair during transfers with airline and airport personnel.
Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If possible, arrive earlier than two hours before your scheduled departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the airline representative ample time to help you stow your chair.
Before you leave, take a picture of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your device is damaged during your flight. This will give you the leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for damages. You should also consider bringing cushions for your seats, so that the flight is as comfortable as it can be for you. Cushions for seats are essential when you travel for more than an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin making it less prone to soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be intimidating. However, with proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, traveling click here using your electric chair is possible.
Before you book your flight, speak to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They'll be able to help you navigate in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to make your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it's recommended that you arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and make sure that it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip.
Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it before 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 an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair, like the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any detachable items prior to you travel to the airport and to ensure all of the controls are working properly.
When you arrive at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are prohibited from charging an additional cost to store assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for passengers who have disabilities, as it allows them to save money.
A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can be able to fit into the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. You can then disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft or 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 remember is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never be able to enjoy the freedom that travel provides.
Check-Out
Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for those with mobility problems. If you're traveling with a wheelchair or a scooter can make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it's essential to follow the airline's guidelines regarding taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline in advance to learn about their policies on power chairs, and to ask any questions.
Most airlines will allow you to bring an electric wheelchair on your trip as you've prepared it for travel. Certain airlines might require you to recharge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a doctor's recommendation on file before they will allow you to fly using your electric chair. Some airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered part of your wheelchair, and place it into a protective case.
When you arrive at the airport, make 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. Bring any documentation you may need to the airport, like your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of the mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and avoid confusion regarding your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
On arrival at the counter for tickets or gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Discuss your wheelchair and any other accessories you may require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a specific cart or examining it for stowage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, you should book an direct flight to cut down on the number times your equipment is moved between locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to take a photograph prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.