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5 Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Projects For Every Budget
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair

When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to consider. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you many questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how to handle it.

Make sure you have all this information at hand before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair has "air safe" batteries that comply with the regulations for air travel.

What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines?

Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and stowed safely on planes. They typically come with a non-spillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel and can be stowed underneath the plane as checked luggage. Additionally, they will be able to move on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or muddy roads. They may also have a patent-pending power drive system that permits them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.

Airlines will provide assistance with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate to board. However, it is important to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet those needs. Some airlines require you to arrive an hour before your departure time, which is important in busy travel times.

Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their cabins for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. The space is not large enough and it's first come, first serve. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation.

United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before bringing an electric wheelchair or scooter aboard their flights. They also require that you check in one hour before your flight, to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get assembly/disassembly information and other helpful information regarding your mobility wheelchair or power scooter.

Safety

Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient method of travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and storage. If you plan to fly with your airline of choice, make contact with their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in planning your travel itinerary and provide you with the most current details regarding battery requirements. They can also give you assembly and disassembly instructions. Some airlines ask that you take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals aren't exposed, and it is placed upright.

Depending on your airline or airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following information such as your name address, number and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it gets lost or is damaged during your travels. You may also consider purchasing aftermarket slings, such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will help you remain in your wheelchair when you transfer with airport and airline personnel.

Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better if possible especially during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This allows you to check in early and gives the airline representative plenty of time to help you stow your chair.

Before you leave to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during your flight. This will give you leverage in pursuing compensation for any damages from the airline. It is also advisable to bring cushions for your seats so that your journey is as comfortable as it can be for you. The use of a cushion for your seat is particularly important for flights that will last over an hour, as it will reduce the pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.

Check-In

For those traveling using an approved airline electric wheelchair, getting on a plane is a daunting prospect. However, with the proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, traveling with your power chair is attainable.

Before booking your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They'll be able to help you navigate in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to get your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it is properly stored to be ready for your trip.

Depending on the model of your power chair, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it before it is transported. If this is the case, it's helpful to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly available to assist airline personnel handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, like the owner's manual as well as warranty information. Also, remove any removable accessories and make sure that all controls work before you leave for the airport.

When you arrive at the airport the electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the airplane. The airlines are not allowed to charging you a fee to stow assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for people who have disabilities, as they can avoid unnecessary costs.

Once the plane is in the air at the airport, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to slide into the aisle of the aircraft. Then, My Mobility Scooters will be able to disembark, and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as is possible or at the jet bridge or at the gate.

It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with proper planning and following the guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new places. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're not comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to fully enjoy the freedom that traveling affords.

Check-Out

Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be very stressful for people with mobility issues. If you're traveling with a wheelchair or a scooter could make your experience more enjoyable. However, it is essential to follow the airline's policies regarding bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact your airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered.

Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, so that you prepare it correctly to travel. Some airlines 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 powered wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered part of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case.

Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair before flight. It's important to bring any documentation, such as the owner's manual as well as any assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid to the airport. This will help speed up the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies.

When you arrive at the airline's ticket counter or at the gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility requirements. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any other accessories you might require, such as seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a special cart or checking it for storage. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to book a direct flight, which will minimize the number of times that your equipment will be transferred between various locations.

Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra for storing a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photo of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.