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Traveling With lightweight wheelchair electric Approved Electric Wheelchair There are a few aspects to take into consideration when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you numerous questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type as well as how it should be handled. Make sure you have these details ready prior to your trip to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with “air-safe” batteries that comply with the air travel regulations. What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines? Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and safely stowed on airplanes. The FAA will approve them for travel on planes, and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. In addition they'll be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or roads that are muddy. They could also be fitted with a unique drive system that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators. The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. However, it is essential to contact them prior to time to ensure they are aware of your requirements and confirm that they can meet those needs. Certain airlines require that you arrive at least an hour prior to your departure time, which is especially important during busy travel times. Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes that allows for the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The space is not large enough and is first come, first serve. The federal regulations also demand that all extra batteries be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are designed to stop accidental activation. United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when you bring electric wheelchairs or scooters on their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour before your flight to ensure proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions and other helpful information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter. Safety Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient way to travel. These electric chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines regarding battery size and handling, as well as stowage. If you are planning to fly with your airline of choice, contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in planning your itinerary and give you the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is done to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is securely tucked away in a upright position. Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your telephone number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it is lost or mishandled during your journey. You may want to buy aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling to allow you to remain in your chair while you travel with airport personnel and airline personnel. It is recommended to arrive at at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is completed. If you arrive earlier than this, it is even better particularly during busy holiday times or during 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 to another destination, take a photo of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you the leverage to pursue compensation from the airline in case of damages. It is also advisable to bring an extra cushion for your seat to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as possible for you. Cushions for seats are essential for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce the pressure on your skin, and will prevent soreness. Check-In For those traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane could be an intimidating experience. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is possible with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations. Speak to an airline representative prior to making your reservation to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can help you navigate in the right direction, regardless of whether you prefer to check-in your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended to arrive at least one hour prior to your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely stored to be ready for your trip. Depending on your power chair, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it before it is transported. In this instance it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in the table to aid airline employees who handle your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, such as the owner's manual or warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any removable accessories and make sure that all controls work before leaving for the airport. Once you are at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stored in the cargo hold of the plane. The airlines are prohibited from charging an additional cost to store assistive devices like electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, as it helps them avoid unnecessary expenses. A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft once the plane lands. You will then be able to get off the plane and your wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as you can or at the jet bridge or at the gate. It might be difficult to travel in an electric chair, but with right planning and following the rules you can have fun exploring new places. It is crucial to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it affords. Check-Out Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for passengers who have mobility issues. A wheelchair or a scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, however it's essential to follow your airline's policies for transporting and stowing your chair on board the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline prior to your departure to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered. Most airlines will let you bring a motorized chair on your flight, as provided you prepare it properly for travel. Some airlines may require you to charge the batteries before boarding, and some will need to have a doctor's recommendation in order to let you fly with your power chair. Certain airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered part of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case. Arrive at the airport at minimum two hours prior to your scheduled departure so that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your departure. It's important to bring any documentation, such as your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid to the airport. This will make it easier for the check-in process and make sure that there is no confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchair. When you arrive at the counter for tickets or at the gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Be sure to describe the type of wheelchair you have and any necessary accessories like sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the aircraft using an appropriate cart. If you're transferring to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the number of times your equipment will be moved between different locations. After your wheelchair is loaded onto the plane, it will be stored in the cargo area along with other checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra to store your scooter or wheelchair like they do with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, be sure to take a picture of it prior to leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.