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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair There are several things to consider when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions about your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled. Be sure to have these details in hand prior to you leave for the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair has “air safe” batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations. What is an air-approved electric wheelchair? Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for air travel, and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll be able to move on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, brick or roads that are muddy. They can also be equipped with a unique drive system that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators. The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the gates for boarding. It is however important to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those requirements. motorized mobility aids require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure time This is crucial during busy travel periods. Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the passenger cabin of their planes that allows for the stowage of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited, and it's first come, first serve. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected as part of the wheelchair or scooter, since federal regulations require that they are disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a safe design to stop accidental activation. United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before taking an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also request to check-in one hour prior to your flight so that they can ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. They also request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful information about your mobility or power chair. scooter. Safety Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed for safe and convenient travel. These power chairs are made to fold up and meet airline guidelines regarding battery size, handling, and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These experts can help you plan your travel plans and provide you with the most current details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety purposes and place it into a carryon bag. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed, and that it is stored upright. Depending on the airline you use or airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name address, address, phone number, and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and precisely identify the equipment in case it gets lost or damaged during your trip. You might also think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which aid you in staying in your wheelchair when you transfer with airport and airline personnel. Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good stowage. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours prior to your departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to help you stow your chair. Take a picture of your wheelchair before you travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to make the trip as comfortable as you possibly can. Cushions for seats are essential for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness. Check-In The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be intimidating. However, with proper preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, flying with your power chair is attainable. Speak to an airline representative prior to making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check in your chair, whether it is at the ticket counter or the gate. In either case, it is advised to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This gives the airline ample time to inspect your equipment and make sure that it will be stowed safely for your journey. Depending on your power chair It could be necessary to disassemble the chair prior to transportation. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions on hand to help the airline employees handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, such as the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable accessories before you leave for the airport, and to make sure all the controls are functioning properly. When you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and then stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging you an additional fee to stow assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for passengers who have disabilities, as it helps them save money. When the plane lands at the airport, an airline employee will be able to transfer you from your power wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit into the aisle of the aircraft. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as possible in either the jet bridge or at the gate. It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with the right planning and following the rules you will be able to enjoy exploring new places. It is important to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to travel with the freedom it provides. Check-Out Airliners 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 the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, be sure to contact the airline prior to your travels to inquire about their policies and ask any questions. Most airlines will allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will need a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with your electric wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case. When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, such as your owner manual and any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and can make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair. Upon arriving at the counter for tickets or gate, make sure to clearly communicate your mobility requirements. Provide the type of wheelchair you have and any accessories you require like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a separate cart or checking it for storage. If you're transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book a direct flight to minimize the number of times your device is moved between different locations. When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. Take a photograph of your equipment if it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.