10 Ways To Build Your Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Empire
10 Ways To Build Your Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair Empire
Blog Article
Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair
There are a few aspects to take into consideration when traveling with an electric chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you a lot of questions regarding the dimensions of your chair, battery type and how it should be handled.
Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has "air-safe" batteries that are in compliance with the regulations for air travel.
What is an air-approved electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for use on flights, and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. Additionally they'll be able to navigate on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or roads that are muddy. They could also have a patented power drive system that enables them to navigate in tight spaces, or lifts.
Airlines will assist you with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate for boarding. However, it is important to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before the departure time you have scheduled, which is important in busy travel times.
Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage and storage of one mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are designed to avoid accidental activation.
United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard 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. Additionally, they request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information regarding your power chair or mobility 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 in a compact manner and comply with airline standards for battery size handling, stowage, and handling. If you plan to fly with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and place it in a carry-on bag. This is done to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and 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 information such as your name address, address, phone number and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it gets lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also want to think about purchasing slings that are aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will aid you in staying in your wheelchair while you travel with airline and airport personnel.
You should always arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is completed. Arriving earlier than this is even better particularly during peak holiday periods or during rush hour. This lets you arrive early and allows plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you in stowing your chair.
Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to be used as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during your flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for any damages. You should also think about bringing cushions for your seats, so that the flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Cushions for seats are essential when you travel for more than an hour. They reduce pressure on your skin, preventing soreness.
Check-In
The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be daunting. However, with proper preparation and adhering to the rules and regulations, traveling with your power chair is feasible.
Contact an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They will 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 either case, arriving one hour prior to your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it's safely and properly stored for your trip.
Depending on the kind of chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this instance it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to assist the airline employees who handle your chair. It is also a good idea to attach any safety and maintenance information to your chair, such as the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any removable accessories and check that all controls are functioning before leaving for the airport.
Once you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines are not allowed to charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices, such as power wheelchairs. This is a great feature for people with disabilities, since it allows them to save money.
A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can fit down the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. You can then disembark and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible location to the aircraft door, either at the jetbridge or at the gate.
A trip with an electric chair can be daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to the guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the thrill of exploring new destinations easily. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are uncomfortable in your chair, you'll never be able to take advantage of the freedom that travel offers.
Check-Out
Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for passengers who suffer from mobility issues. If you're using an electric or wheelchair can make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it is crucial to adhere to the airline's guidelines for bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your lightweight power chairs departure to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered.
Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, as long as you prepare it correctly for travel. Some airlines may require you to recharge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a medical note on file before they will allow you to fly with your motorized chair. Some airlines may also demand that you remove the battery-powered part of your chair, and then place it in a case that is safe.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, such as the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airline's wheelchairs.
When you arrive at the airline ticket counter or gate, be sure you communicate your mobility requirements clearly. Provide the kind of wheelchair you own and any accessories you require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the plane 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 cut down on the number of times your equipment is moved between various locations.
When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment, just like checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. Take a picture of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.