electric-powered-wheelchairs

Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric WheelchairThere are many things you should consider when traveling with powered chairs. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you numerous questions about your chair’s dimensions and battery type as well as how it should be handled.Make sure you have all of these details in hand prior to you head to the airport. Also, make sure your wheelchair is equipped with “air safe” batteries that meet the regulations for air travel.What is an airline approved electric wheelchair?Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be carried and safely stowed on planes. They will typically have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel. They can be tucked under the plane as checked baggage. They’ll also be able to move on rough surfaces like deceleration stripes, gravel, roads that are muddy or brick. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending that permits them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators.www.mymobilityscooters.uk will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter to the gate to board. It is however important to contact them ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of your requirements and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before the time of departure This is particularly important during busy travel times.Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their cabins for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited and operates on an initial-come first-serve basis. The federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be checked with the wheelchair or scooter. They must be removed unless they are designed to stop accidental activation.United Airlines requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights. They also ask that you check in an hour before your flight, to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions, as well as other pertinent information regarding your mobility chair or power scooter.SafetyElectric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide an efficient and safe way to travel. These chairs are designed to fold, and they comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can help you plan your itinerary and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and place it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery’s terminals are not exposed and it is stowed upright.Depending on your airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name, address, phone number and model. This will help airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may also look into purchasing slings from the aftermarket like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will allow you to remain in your wheelchair during transfers with airport and airline personnel.You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment storage. If you can, arrive earlier than two hours before your scheduled departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with the stowing of your chair.Before you travel to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for damages. You should consider bringing cushions to make the flight as comfortable as you possibly can. The use of a cushion for your seat is particularly important for flights that last over an hour, as this will minimize pressure on your skin and prevent soreness.Check-InIf you are traveling using an approved airline electric wheelchair, getting on a plane could be an intimidating experience. However, with proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, air travel with your power chair is feasible.Before you book your flight, speak to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to help you navigate in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to check-in your chair at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it is properly and properly stored for your trip.Based on the model of power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. If this is the case, it’s beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to help the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner’s guide and warranty information. It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable items prior to you go to the airport and also to ensure that all of the controls are working properly.Once 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 an additional cost to store assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for people with disabilities as it helps them avoid costly expenses.A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that will fit on the aisle of the aircraft once the plane arrives. Then, you can disembark, and your powered wheelchair is returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate.It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with right planning and following guidelines you can have fun exploring new locations. It is essential to keep in mind that if you don’t feel comfortable in your chair you will not be able to enjoy the freedom it provides.Check-OutAirplanes are notoriously packed and can be very stressful for people who have mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressful for you, however it’s essential to follow the guidelines of your airline for transporting and stowing your chair on the plane. If you’re traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered.Most airlines allow you to take a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight as long as it’s properly prepared for travel. Some airlines may require you to charge the batteries prior to boarding and some will need to have a doctor’s recommendation on file before they will allow you to fly using your power chair. Some airlines may also demand that you take down the battery-powered part of your wheelchair, and place it in a case that is safe.When you arrive at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours before your departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It’s important to bring any documentation, such as your owner’s manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up check-in process and avoid confusion about your airline’s policies regarding wheelchairs.Upon arriving at the counter for tickets or gate, be certain to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any accessories you may need for example, seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft using a specialized cart. If you’re moving from your electric wheelchair to the plane, book a direct flight to minimize the amount of times your equipment is moved between locations.Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it’s stored in the cargo compartment with other luggage that is checked. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not permit airlines to charge you additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment arrives damaged, be sure to capture a photo prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.