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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair When you travel with a powered wheelchair, there are many aspects to be considered. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how it should be handled. Make sure you have this information ready before you go to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair is equipped with “air safe” batteries that are compliant with the regulations for air travel. What is an airline approved electric wheelchair? Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and safely stowed on airplanes. The FAA can approve them for air travel, and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. In addition, they will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces like gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or roads that are muddy. They could also be fitted with a patented drive system that permits them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators. The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. black electric wheelchair is crucial to contact the airline in advance to make sure they are aware of any specific needs and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate them. Some airlines require that you arrive at least an hour prior to your scheduled departure which is crucial during busy travel times. Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their aircrafts to allow the stowage and storage of one wheelchair or mobility scooter. The space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected in conjunction with the wheelchair or scooter, as federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless it is equipped with an effective design to stop accidental activation. United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when taking an electric wheelchair or scooter on their flights. They also ask that you check in one hour before your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. Additionally, they request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information about your power chair or mobility scooter. Safety Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are made for comfortable and safe travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold, and they comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and stowage. If you are planning to travel with the airline of your preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These experts can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and that the battery is securely tucked away in a straight position. Based on your airline or airline, you may be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name address, number, and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event that it gets lost or is mishandled on your trip. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your chair while you travel with airport personnel and airline personnel. Arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If you are able be there earlier than two hours before the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This lets you check-in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time 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 the flight. This will give you the ability to seek compensation from the airline for damages. You should also think about bringing a seat cushion with you, so that the flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights lasting over an hour. They can reduce pressure on your skin, preventing soreness. Check-In The procedure of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that is approved by the airline may be a daunting task. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is feasible with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations. Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can guide you in the right direction, whether you prefer to make your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour before your flight. This allows the airline plenty of time to inspect your equipment and ensure that it is safely stored for your journey. Based on the model of power chair you own It could be required to disassemble it prior to transport. In this situation it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the table to aid airline personnel who will handle your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, like the owner's manual and warranty information. You should also take off any removable items and check whether all controls function before you depart for the airport. When you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and then stowed. The airlines are prohibited from charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for people with disabilities since it allows them to save money. An airline employee can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can be able to fit into the aircraft aisle when the plane lands. You can then disembark and your wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or at the gate. It can be a bit daunting to travel in an electric chair, but with the proper planning and following the guidelines, you can enjoy exploring new places. The most important thing to remember is that if you're not comfortable in your chair, you will never take advantage of the freedom that travel affords. Check-Out Aircrafts can be crowded and this can be stressful for passengers with mobility problems. If you're traveling with mobility scooters or wheelchairs, it can make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, it's crucial to adhere to the airline's policies regarding taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to learn about their policies on power chairs and to ask any questions. Most airlines will allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your trip as provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will require a physician's letter to allow you to travel with your power wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered part of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case. Once you're at the airport, make sure you 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, including the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid, to the airport. This will help speed up the check-in process and can help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair. Upon arriving at the counter for tickets or gate, be sure to clearly communicate your mobility requirements. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any accessories you require, such as cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be placing your wheelchair in a specific cart or checking it for storage. If you're moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book an express flight to reduce the number of times your device is moved between locations. When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane it will be placed in the cargo compartment along with your 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, be sure to capture a photo before leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.