7 Practical Tips For Making The Profits Of Your Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are a few aspects to be considered. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you a lot of questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled.

Be sure to have this information at hand before you leave for the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that meet the regulations for air travel.

What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?

Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and stowed securely on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for use on flights and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. They can also navigate on rough surfaces such as deceleration stripes, gravel, roads that are muddy or brick. They may also have a patent-pending power drive system that permits them to move 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 ahead of time to ensure they are aware of your needs and to confirm that they are able to meet those requirements. Some airlines require you to arrive one hour prior to your departure time, which is important during peak travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes that allows for the stowage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. The 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 because federal regulations require they be disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with a safe design to prevent accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour before your flight, to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful information about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable way to travel. They can be folded and comply with airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you are planning to fly with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in planning your trip and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to remove your wheelchair's battery for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is secured in an upright position.

Depending on the airline you fly with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it is lost or mishandled on your trip. You may also want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airline and airport personnel.

Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If you can be there earlier than two hours prior to your departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to arrive early and allows ample time for the airline representative to assist you with stowing your chair.

Before you travel to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for any damages from the airline. Consider bringing along an extra cushion for your seat to make the trip as comfortable as you can. A seat cushion is especially important when you travel for longer than an hour, because it will reduce pressure on your skin and reduce soreness.

Check-In

The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can be daunting. However, with the proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, air travel with your power chair is possible.

Talk to an airline representative prior to booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you on the best method to check in your chair whether at the counter for tickets or the gate. In either case, it is recommended that you arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This gives the airline ample time to examine your equipment and make sure that it is safely stored for your journey.

Based on the power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble it prior to it is transported. In this instance it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any detachable items prior to you travel to the airport and to ensure all controls are working properly.

Once you are at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the plane. MyMobilityScooters are not allowed to charging you a fee to stow assistive devices, like power wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for those who have disabilities, as they can avoid costly expenses.

After the plane has landed, an airline employee will be in a position to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit down the aircraft aisle. You can then disembark and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the shortest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or at the gate.

The idea of using an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to the guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new destinations with ease. It is essential to keep in mind that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair, you won't be able to travel with the freedom it provides.

Check-Out

Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility problems. If you have a wheelchair or a scooter could make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is important that you follow the airline's guidelines for taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your travels to ask about their policy and get any questions answered.

Most airlines allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your trip as you've prepared it for travel. Certain airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will require a doctor's letter prior to allowing you to fly with your electric wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you take down the battery-powered part of your chair and place it in an enclosure that is protected.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your departure. It's recommended to bring any documentation, such as your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up check-in and prevent confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs.

When you reach the airline ticket counter or at the gate, be sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Discuss your wheelchair and any accessories you may require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage or if it will be transferred to the plane using a specialized cart. If you're transferring to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to take a direct flight which will cut down on the number of times that your equipment is moved between various locations.

Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo area along with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra for storing a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, make sure you take a photograph prior to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.

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Pub: 28 Apr 2024 19:03 UTC
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