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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to consider. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you a lot of questions about your chair's dimensions 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. Also, make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with “air safe” batteries that are compliant with the requirements for air travel. What is an airline approved electric wheelchair? Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and stowed securely on airplanes. The FAA can approve them for travel on planes, and they can be stored in the airplane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll be able to navigate on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips brick or muddy roads. They could also have a patent-pending power drive system that enables them to maneuver in tight spaces or lifts. The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. However, it is essential to contact them ahead of time to make sure they are aware of your requirements and to confirm they can meet those requirements. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your departure time This is particularly important in 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 a first-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 disconnected unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation. United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice prior to 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. Additionally, they request to fill out their Mobility Aid Information form to give airport personnel assembly and disassembly instructions as well as other useful information regarding your power chair or mobility scooter. Safety Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed for safe and convenient travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold and conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling and stowage. If you're planning to fly with your airline of preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. They can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most current information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to put together and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair for safety purposes and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the terminals aren't exposed and the battery is secured in a upright position. Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, your address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event that it is stolen or damaged during your travels. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will help you remain in your chair during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel. It is recommended to arrive at at minimum two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure that the proper storage of your equipment is done. If you are able, arrive earlier than two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This is particularly crucial during busy holiday times or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and allows the representative of the airline plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair. Take a picture of your wheelchair before you travel. This will serve as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage to seek compensation for the damages from the airline. You should consider bringing cushions to make the flight as comfortable as you can. Seat cushions are particularly important when you travel for more than an hour. They reduce the pressure on your skin, preventing soreness. Check-In For those who travel with an approved electric wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane is an intimidating experience. Air travel with a power chair is achievable with right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations. Before booking your flight, talk to an airline representative to learn more about their policies and procedures. They will be able to guide you in the best direction, regardless of whether you prefer to make your seat at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, arriving 1 hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it's safely stored to be ready for your trip. Depending on the kind of chair you own It may be necessary to disassemble the chair for transport. In this situation, it's helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the table to aid airline personnel handling your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, like the owner's manual or warranty information. You should also remove any removable accessories and ensure that all controls work before you leave for the airport. When you arrive at the airport, your electric chair will be loaded into the cargo area and then stowed. The airlines aren't allowed to charging you an additional fee to stow assistive devices like power wheelchairs. This is a great benefit for passengers with disabilities since it helps them avoid costly expenses. When the plane lands at the airport, an airline employee will be capable of transferring you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can fit into the aisle of the aircraft. You will then be able to get off the plane and your wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as you can or at the jet bridge or at the gate. A trip with an electric chair can be daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new locations with ease. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're not comfortable in your chair, you will never be able to take advantage of the freedom that travel provides. Check-Out Airplanes are notoriously packed and can be very stressful for people with mobility issues. If you have a wheelchair or a scooter can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's crucial to adhere to the airline's guidelines regarding bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to learn about their policies on power chairs, and to inquire about any questions. Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair on your flight, as long as you prepare it correctly to travel. Some airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will require a doctor's letter before they will allow you to fly with a powered wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it in a case that is safe. Get to the airport at minimum two hours prior to your departure time so that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, like your owner manual and any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. Get the facts will speed up the check-in and prevent confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs. When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Be sure to describe the type of wheelchair you have and any necessary accessories like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be keeping your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining 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 times your equipment is moved between different locations. Once your wheelchair is in the plane, it will be stowed 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 scooter or wheelchair. Take a picture of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.