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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair There are a few aspects to take into consideration when traveling with an electric chair. The staff at the airport and at the airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair and battery type, as well as how to handle it. Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Also, make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with “air safe” batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations. 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 can approve them for air travel, and they can be stowed under the plane as checked baggage. They will also be able navigate on rough surfaces like deceleration stripes, gravel, bricks or muddy roads. They could also have a patent-pending power drive system that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or lifts. My Mobility Scooters will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter up to the boarding gates. It is crucial to call the airline ahead of time to ensure they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour before the time of departure, which is especially important during peak travel times. Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair. This space is limited and on the basis of first-come-first-serve. The federal regulations also demand that any additional batteries be checked with the scooter or wheelchair. They must be disconnected 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 require that you check in an hour before your flight, to ensure proper handling of your equipment. In addition, they ask that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions as well as other useful details about your mobility chair or power scooter. Safety Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient method of travel. These electric chairs are designed to fold and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling, and storage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your trip and give you the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Certain airlines require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and then place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals aren't exposed, and that it is safely stowed upright. Based on your airline depending on your airline, you might be asked to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name, address, phone number, and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it gets lost or damaged during your trip. You might also consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, that aid you in staying in your wheelchair during transfers with airport and airline personnel. You should arrive at the airport 2 hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good 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 allows you to check in early and allows the airline representative plenty of time to assist you in stowing your chair. Photograph your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you the leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for damages. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make your flight as comfortable as you can. Seat cushions are particularly important for flights that last more than an hour. They will reduce pressure on your skin, preventing soreness. Check-In The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline may be intimidating. Air travel with a power chair is possible with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations. Before booking your flight, speak to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can help you figure out the best method to check into your seat whether at the ticket counter or at the gate. In any case, arriving at least one hour before your flight is suggested. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and ensure it will be stowed safely for your trip. Depending on the type of power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this instance it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the table to aid airline personnel who will handle your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. You should also take off any removable items and make sure whether all controls function before you depart for the airport. When you arrive at an airport the electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed. Airlines are not allowed to charge you extra for the stowing of assistive devices such as power chairs. This is an excellent benefit for those with disabilities since it allows them to avoid unnecessary expenses. An airline employee can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can fit down the aisle of the aircraft once the plane lands. After disembarking, your wheelchair is returned to you at the closest possible location to the door of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or the gate. Traveling with an electric wheelchair can seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adherence to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the thrill of exploring new locations easily. It is essential to keep in mind that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it affords. Check-Out Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stress-inducing for you, but it's essential to follow your airline's policies for bringing and stowing your chair on the airplane. If you're traveling with a power chair, make sure to contact the airline before your trip to inquire about their policy and get any questions answered. Most airlines allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your trip as you've prepared it for travel. Certain airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to boarding and others will require a physician's letter before they will allow you to travel with your powered wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case. Once you're at the airport, be sure to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's also a good idea to bring any documentation, such as your owner's manual or instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid to the airport. This will speed up check-in and prevent confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs. Upon arriving at the airline's ticket counter or gate, make sure to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide the kind of wheelchair you're using and any necessary accessories like cushioned seats or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the aircraft with a specialized cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to make a direct flight which will minimize the number of times your equipment will be transferred between various locations. When your wheelchair is loaded on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a scooter or wheelchair. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately inform the airline.