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https://www.mymobilityscooters.uk/categories/electric-powered-wheelchairs

Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair There are several things you should consider when traveling with an electric chair Airport and airline staff will ask you a lot of questions regarding the dimensions of your chair and battery type as well as how it should be handled Make sure you have this information in your possession prior to you travel to the airport Make sure your wheelchair has airsafe batteries that comply with air travel regulations What is an approved electric wheelchair for airlines Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stowed on planes The FAA will allow them to be used for air travel and they can be stowed in the airplane as checked baggage In addition they will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces such as gravel deceleration strips bricks or muddy roads narrow electric wheelchair can also be equipped with a patented drive system that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or elevators Airlines will provide assistance with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate for boarding It is essential to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any specific needs and to confirm that they will be able to accommodate the requirements Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before the departure time you have scheduled which is important during peak travel times Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one mobility device or wheelchair The space is not large enough and its first come first served Federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be inspected by a scooter or wheelchair They must be removed unless they are designed to prevent accidental activation United Airlines requires 48hour notice prior to bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair on their flights They also ask to checkin one hour before your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport representatives can get assemblydisassembly information and other helpful information about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter Safety Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient way to travel These chairs are designed to fold up and comply with airline guidelines for battery size handling and stowage If you plan to fly with your airline of choice make contact with 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 uptodate information regarding battery requirements They can also give you instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it in a bag for carryon This is to ensure that the battery terminals are not exposed and that it is stowed upright Depending on the airline you use you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details such as your name address phone number and 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 also want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling which aid you in staying in your wheelchair during transfers with airport and airline personnel You should arrive at at two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure the proper stowage of your equipment is accomplished Arriving earlier than this is even better if possible especially during peak holiday periods or during rush hour This allows you to checkin early and gives the airline representative ample time to assist you with stowing your chair Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to traveling This can be used as proof in the event that your device gets damaged during the flight This will give you the leverage to pursue compensation from the airline in case of damages You should also consider bringing cushions for your seats to ensure that your flight is as relaxing as possible for you Cushions for seats are essential when you travel for more than an hour They can reduce the pressure on your skin and will prevent soreness CheckIn The process of boarding an aircraft with an electric wheelchair that has been accepted by the airline can 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 learn more about their policies and procedures They can assist you in the best method to check into your seat regardless of whether its at the counter for tickets or the gate In either case arriving one hour before your flight is recommended This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that its safely stored for your trip Depending on the type of chair you own It may be required to disassemble it prior to transport In this instance its a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly in hand to assist the airline employees who handle your chair Attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair This includes the owners manual and warranty information It is also recommended to take off any detachable items prior to you travel to the airport and to ensure all of the controls are functioning properly Once you arrive at an airport your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed The airlines are not allowed to charging an additional cost to store assistive devices like electric wheelchairs This is a great feature for passengers with disabilities since it allows them to avoid costly expenses An airline employee 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 when the plane lands Then you can disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the nearest possible place to the doorway of the aircraft or at the jetbridge or at the gate It may seem daunting to travel with an electric chair but with proper planning and following the guidelines you can have fun exploring new destinations The most important thing to remember is that if uncomfortable in your chair you will never enjoy the freedom that traveling offers CheckOut Aircrafts can be packed and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility issues The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the journey less stressinducing for you but it is important to follow the policies of your airline regarding transporting and stowing your chair on board the plane Contact the airline in advance to find out their policy on power chairs and to inquire about any questions Most airlines will let you bring an electric chair on your flight so that you prepare it properly to travel Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a doctors letter to allow you to travel with your powered wheelchair Certain airlines may also require that you disassemble the batterypowered part of your chair and place it into an enclosure that is protected Once youre at the airport be sure you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight Its important to bring any documentation such as your owners manual or assemblydisassembly instructions for your mobility aid with you to the airport This will speed up the checkin process and avoid confusion regarding your airlines policies regarding wheelchairs When you reach the counter for tickets to airline or gate make sure to explain your mobility needs clearly Provide the kind of wheelchair youre using and any other accessories you may require such as cushioned seats or sideguards Ask the airline if they will be examining your wheelchair for stowage or the possibility of transferring it to the aircraft using a specialized cart If youre taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair make sure to book a direct flight which will cut down on the number of times that your equipment will be transferred between different locations Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane it is stored in the cargo compartment with other checked luggage The US Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra for storing a wheelchair or scooter Take a photograph of your equipment if it arrives damaged Inform the airline immediately