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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair When traveling with a powered wheelchair, there are many things to take into consideration. The airport staff and the airline will inquire about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to handle it. Make sure electric powered wheelchairs have these details prepared before you travel to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has “air-safe” batteries that are in compliance with the air travel regulations. What is an airline approved electric wheelchair? Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be carried and safely stowed on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for air travel, and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. Furthermore, they will be able to maneuver on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration strips bricks, or muddy roads. They could also be equipped with a patented power drive system that permits them to move in tight spaces or lifts. The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter to the boarding gates. It is important to call the airline ahead of time to ensure they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they can meet the requirements. Certain airlines require you to arrive at least an hour prior to your scheduled departure, which is especially important during 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 operated on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any additional batteries be inspected in conjunction with the wheelchair or scooter, because federal regulations require they must be removed from the device unless it is equipped with a secure design to prevent unintentional activation. United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before bringing an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights. They also request to check-in one hour before your flight so that they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also ask you to complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain information on assembly and disassembly, as well as other details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter. Safety Airline-approved electric wheelchairs are made for comfortable and safe travel. These power chairs are made to fold, and they conform to airline standards regarding battery size, handling, and storage. If you plan to travel with your airline of preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the latest details regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Certain airlines will require you to remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and put it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals are not exposed, and that it is safely stored upright. Depending on the airline you use or airline, you may be required to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name, address, phone number and model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event it gets lost or is mishandled during your journey. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will help you remain in your chair while you travel with airport personnel as well as airline personnel. You should arrive at the airport at two hours before the time of departure to ensure the proper storage of your equipment is done. Arriving earlier than this is even better especially during busy times of the year or during rush hour. This allows you to arrive early and allows plenty of time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair. Before you travel and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your wheelchair is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline in case of damages. You should also consider bringing an extra cushion for your seat to ensure that your flight is as relaxing as possible for you. Seat cushions are especially important for flights that last more than an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin, making it less prone to soreness. Check-In The process of boarding an airplane with an electric wheelchair that has been approved by the airline can be a daunting task. Air travel with a power chair is feasible with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations. Speak to an airline representative prior to making your booking to find out more about the policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best method to check-in your chair regardless of whether it's at the ticket counter or the gate. In any case, it is advised to arrive at least an hour before your flight. This gives the airline ample time to examine your equipment and ensure that it will be safely towed for your journey. Based on the model of power chair you have, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. If this is the case, it is helpful to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions on hand to help the staff of the airline handling your chair. Attach any safety or maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also a good idea to remove any accessories that can be removed prior to when you travel to the airport, and to make sure all of the controls are working properly. Once you arrive at the airport, your electric wheelchair will be loaded and stowed in the cargo hold of the plane. Airlines are not allowed to charge extra fees for stowing assistive devices such as electric chairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, because it can help them avoid costly expenses. An airline employee will be able transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can fit down the aisle of the aircraft once the plane arrives. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your power wheelchair will be returned to you close to the aircraft door as you can, either at the jet bridge or at the gate. It might be difficult to travel with an electric chair, but with the right planning and following guidelines you will be able to enjoy exploring new places. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never enjoy the freedom that travel affords. Check-Out Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for people who have mobility problems. If you have a wheelchair or a scooter, it can make your trip more enjoyable. However, it is important that you follow the airline's guidelines regarding bringing your chair and storing it on the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact the airline before your trip to inquire about their policies and get any questions answered. Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized chair for your flight, as provided you prepare it properly to travel. Some airlines will require you to discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will need a doctor's letter prior to allowing you to fly with your power wheelchair. Certain airlines may also require that you remove the battery-powered portion of your chair, and then place it in a protective case. When you arrive at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours prior to the time of departure to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. It's important to bring any documentation, such as your owner's manual or assembly/disassembly instructions for your mobility aid, to the airport. This will speed up the check-in process and avoid confusion about your airline's policies regarding wheelchairs. On arrival at the ticket counter or gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility requirements. Provide a description of your wheelchair and any other accessories you may require like seats or sideguards. Ask the airline whether they will be keeping your wheelchair in a separate cart or checking it for stowage. If you're going to transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, try to take a direct flight which will minimize the number of times that your equipment will be moved between locations. When your wheelchair is loaded in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment as checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you extra to store your wheelchair or scooter, like they do with your luggage. Take a photo of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.