How Much Can Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Experts Earn?
How Much Can Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Experts Earn?
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are several things to take into consideration. Airport and airline staff will ask you numerous questions regarding your chair's dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it.
Make sure you have this information ready prior to your trip to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair is equipped with "air-safe" batteries that comply with the air travel regulations.
What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair?
Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and safely stowed on airplanes. The FAA will allow them to be used for travel on planes and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. They can also move on rough surfaces such as deceleration stripes, gravel, brick or muddy road. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system that allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.
Airlines will assist you with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and confirm that they can meet those needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time which is essential during peak 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 served. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be disconnected unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when bringing electric wheelchairs or scooters aboard their flights. They also ask that you check-in an hour prior to your flight so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your power chair or mobility scooter.
Safety
Airline approved electric wheelchairs are made for safe and convenient travel. These electric chairs can be folded and comply with airline guidelines regarding 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. These representatives can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines will require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and put it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and that the battery is securely tucked away in a straight position.
Based on your airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details such as your name address, number, and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that help you remain in your wheelchair when you transfer with airport and airline personnel.
Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If you can you can arrive at least two hours earlier than your scheduled departure time. This is especially crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This lets you check in earlier and gives plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair.
Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to travel. This will serve 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 an extra cushion for your seat to make the flight as comfortable as possible. Using a seat cushion is essential when you travel for over an hour, as it reduces the pressure on your skin and help prevent soreness.
Check-In
The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be intimidating. However, with proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, traveling with a power chair is attainable.
Contact an airline representative prior to booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can guide you in the best direction, no matter if you prefer to get your chair at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour prior to your flight is suggested. This allows the airline plenty of time to examine your equipment and ensure it will be safely towed for your journey.
Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to transportation. In this instance it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on the go to help airline employees who handle your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide and warranty information. Also, remove any removable accessories and ensure whether all controls function before you depart for the airport.
Once you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and then stowed. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you an additional cost to store assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is a huge benefit for people with disabilities since they can save money.
After the plane has landed at the airport, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your power wheelchair to one that is able to slide down the aircraft aisle. Then, you will be able to get off the plane 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.
A trip with an electric chair can be daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to the guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new destinations with ease. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're not comfortable moving around in your chair, you'll never enjoy the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people who suffer from mobility issues. If you're traveling with mobility scooters or wheelchairs can make your trip more enjoyable. However, it's crucial to adhere to the airline's guidelines for bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to inquire about their policy on power chairs, and to ask any questions.
Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair for your flight, as long as you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a doctor's letter before they will allow you to travel with your electric wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you disassemble the battery-powered part of your chair, and place it into a protective case.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure so 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 assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, with you read more to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or gate, make sure to explain your mobility needs clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any other accessories you may require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they'll be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft using an adapted cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, make sure to book a direct flight, which will reduce the amount of times your equipment is moved between different locations.
Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo compartment with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair the same way they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must capture a photo before you leave the airport and immediately notify the airline.