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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair There are many things you should consider when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and airline personnel will ask you many questions about your chair's dimensions and battery type as well as how it should be handled. Make sure you have this information at hand before you leave for the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair is equipped with “air-safe” batteries that are compliant with the air travel regulations. What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair? Airline approved electric wheelchairs are ones that are designed to be transported and stowed securely on airplanes. They typically come with an unspillable battery that is FAA-approved for air travel. They can be tucked under the plane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to move on rough surfaces, such as gravel, deceleration stripes bricks or muddy roads. They could also be fitted with a drive system that is patent-pending which allows them to maneuver into tight spaces or elevators. The airline will assist passengers with their wheelchairs or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the gates for boarding. It is important to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure they are aware of any special requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet these requirements. Certain airlines require that you arrive one hour prior to your departure time, which is important in busy travel times. Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin that can be used for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited and operated on the basis of first-come-first-serve. The federal regulations also require that all batteries added to the system be inspected by a wheelchair or scooter. They must be removed unless they are designed to stop accidental activation. United electric wheelchairs for seniors requires 48-hour notice before bringing an electric scooter, or wheelchair on their flights. They also require that you check-in an hour prior to your flight to ensure that you are properly handling your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful details about your power wheelchair or mobility scooter. Safety Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are designed to provide an efficient and safe way to travel. These electric chairs can be folded and are in line with airline guidelines for battery size and handling, as well as stowage. If you are planning to travel with the airline of your preference, you should contact their Special Assistance department ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility devices. These representatives can assist you in planning your itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide you with assembly and disassembly instructions. Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety. You can then put it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery terminals aren't exposed, and that it is safely stored upright. Depending on the airline you use depending on the airline you travel with, you may have to label your wheelchair. This will include your name, your address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will help airline and airport personnel quickly and accurately identify the equipment in case it should become lost or damaged during your trip. You might also consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES harness or ADAPTS sling, which will help you remain in your wheelchair while you travel with airline and airport personnel. You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your departure to ensure proper equipment stowage. If possible you can arrive earlier than two hours prior to your departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check in earlier and gives ample time for the airline representative to assist you with stowing your chair. Before you leave, take a picture of your wheelchair to prove in the event that your device is damaged during the flight. This will give you leverage to pursue compensation from the airline for any damages. You should consider bringing cushions to make the flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Seat cushions are especially important when you travel for more than an hour. They reduce the 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 can be intimidating. But, with the right preparation and compliance with rules and regulations, traveling with a power chair is feasible. Talk to an airline representative before booking your flight to learn more about the policies and procedures. They can help you navigate in the right direction, whether you prefer to check-in your seat at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is recommended. This allows the airline to inspect your equipment and ensure that it's safely stored for your journey. Depending on the type of power chair you own, it may be required to disassemble it prior to transport. In this case it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to assist the airline employees who handle your chair. It is also recommended to attach any safety or maintenance information to your chair, like the owner's manual and warranty information. Also, remove any removable accessories and ensure whether all controls function 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. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra for the stowing of assistive devices such as electric chairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities, because it can help them avoid costly expenses. A representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft when the plane arrives. You will then be able to get off the plane and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as you can, either at the jet bridge or at the gate. Traveling with an electric wheelchair may seem daunting, but with the right planning and adherence to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new places without difficulty. It is crucial to remember that if you don't feel comfortable in your chair you won't be able to enjoy the freedom it provides. Check-Out Airplanes can be crowded, and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility problems. If you're traveling with a wheelchair or a scooter can make your trip more enjoyable. However, it is essential to follow the airline's guidelines regarding the use of your chair and storage it on the plane. Contact the airline in advance to find out their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions. Many airlines will allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your trip as provided it's prepared for travel. Certain airlines will require that you discharge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a doctor's letter to allow you to fly with your electric wheelchair. Some airlines will also require you to remove the battery-powered portion of your chair and then place it inside a protective case. Once you're at the airport, make sure to arrive at least two hours before the time of departure so that your airline has enough time to prepare your wheelchair for flight. Bring any documents you need to the airport, such as your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion over your airline's policy regarding wheelchairs. Upon arriving at the airline's ticket counter or gate, be sure to communicate clearly your mobility needs. Discuss your wheelchair and any accessories you may require, such as sideguards or seat cushions. Ask the airline if they will be checking your wheelchair for stowage, or if it will be transferred to the aircraft with an adapted cart. If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane, make sure you book a direct flight to minimize the number times your equipment is moved between places. Once your wheelchair is in the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment, just like checked luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits the airlines from charging extra fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment arrives damaged, you must take a picture of it before leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.