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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to take into consideration. The staff at the airport and at the airline will ask you about your chair, its dimensions and battery type, as well as how to handle it. Make sure you have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has “air-safe” batteries that comply with air travel regulations. What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair? Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines can be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA will approve them for use on flights, and they can be kept in the airplane as checked baggage. They can also navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes, bricks or muddy roads. They could also have a patented power drive system that enables them to move in tight spaces or elevators. Airlines will assist you with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter to the gate for boarding. It is important to contact the airline in advance to ensure they are aware of any special needs and confirm that they can meet these requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive at least an hour prior to 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 mobility device or wheelchair. The space is limited and operated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked by the scooter or wheelchair. They must be removed unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation. United Airlines requires 48-hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour before your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request to complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assembly/disassembly instructions and other helpful details about your power chair or mobility scooter. Safety Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide the most secure and comfortable method of travel. They can be folded in a compact manner and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline in advance to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most current information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require you to take the wheelchair's battery out of the way for safety reasons and place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and that it is stowed upright. Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This should include your name, address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment if it is lost or mishandled during your trip. You may want to purchase aftermarket slings, such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will assist you in staying in your chair during transfers with airport personnel as well as airline personnel. You should arrive at at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure proper stowage of your equipment is completed. If possible you can arrive earlier than two hours prior to your departure time. This is particularly important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This allows you to check in early and provides plenty of time for the representative of the airline to assist you with 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 on the flight. This will give you possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for damages. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make your flight as comfortable as you possibly can. The use of a cushion for your seat is essential for flights that will last more than an hour, since it reduces pressure on your skin and reduce soreness. Check-In For those traveling with an approved electric wheelchair, getting on a plane could be an intimidating experience. Traveling with a power chair is achievable with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations. Before you book your flight, talk to an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They'll be able to guide you in the right direction, no matter if you prefer to check-in your seat at the ticket counter or at the gate. In either case, it is recommended to arrive at least one hour before your flight. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment, and ensure that it is properly and properly stored for your journey. Depending on the kind of chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the case, it is beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions available to assist airline employees handling your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, like the owner's manual or warranty information. Also, remove any accessories that are removable and make sure that all controls work before leaving for the airport. When you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra fees to store assistive devices, like electric chairs. This is a wonderful benefit for those with disabilities because it can help them avoid unnecessary expenses. A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can fit down the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. Then, you can 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. Traveling with an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with careful planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new places without difficulty. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're uncomfortable in your chair, you will never take advantage of the freedom that travel provides. Check-Out Aircrafts can be packed, and this can be stressful for people with mobility problems. If you're using an electric or wheelchair, it can make your experience more enjoyable. However, it's crucial to adhere to the airline's policies regarding bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. Contact the airline prior to departure to inquire about their policy on power chairs and to inquire about any questions. Most airlines will allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your trip as long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines might require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding and some may require you to have a medical note on file prior to being able to allow you to fly using your power chair. Some airlines may also require that you remove the battery powered portion of your chair and place it into an enclosure that is protected. Once you're at the airport, be sure you arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. Bring any documentation you might need to the airport, such as your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up the process of checking in and will prevent any confusion regarding your airline's wheelchair policies. When you arrive at the counter for tickets to airline or at the gate, be sure to explain your mobility needs clearly. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any other accessories you may require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they'll be examining your wheelchair for stowage, or if it will be transferred to the aircraft with an appropriate cart. If you're going to transfer to the plane with your electric wheelchair, you should try to take a direct flight which will cut down on the number of times your equipment will be moved between different 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 the airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, make sure you capture a photo prior to leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.