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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair If you are traveling in a powered wheelchair, there are a few things to consider. The staff at the airport and on the plane will ask you numerous questions regarding your chair's dimensions, battery type and how to handle it. Make sure you have this information ready prior to your trip to the airport. Make sure affordable electric wheelchairs is equipped with “air-safe” batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations. What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair? Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines can be safely transported and stored on planes. The FAA will allow them to be used for air travel and they can be stored under the plane as checked baggage. They'll also be able to move on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration stripes brick or muddy road. They could also be equipped with a patent-pending power drive system that allows them to maneuver in tight spaces or lifts. The airline will assist you with your wheelchair or mobility scooter from the ticketing counter until the boarding gates. It is crucial to call the airline ahead of time to make sure they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they can meet them. Certain airlines require you to arrive an hour before the time of departure which is crucial in busy travel times. Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their passenger cabin for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device. This space is limited and operates on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any extra batteries be checked as part of the scooter or wheelchair as federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with a secure design to prevent accidental activation. United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when bringing an electric wheelchair or scooter aboard their flights. They also request that you check-in an hour before your flight, so they can ensure the proper handling of your equipment. They also request that you complete their Mobility Aid Information Form so that airport personnel can obtain assembly/disassembly information and other helpful details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter. Safety Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure secure and comfortable travel. These power chairs are made to fold and comply with airline guidelines for battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These experts can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines require that you 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 terminals are not exposed, and that it is safely stowed upright. Depending on the airline you travel with depending on the airline you use, you may be required to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, address, your number, and the wheelchair model. This will allow airport and airline personnel to quickly and accurately identify your equipment in the event that it is lost or damaged during your travels. You may want to buy aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling, which will help you remain in your chair while you travel with airport and airline personnel. Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. Arriving earlier than this is even better particularly during busy holiday times or during rush hour. This allows you to check in earlier and gives ample time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair. Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device gets damaged during the flight. This will help you in obtaining compensation for damages from the airline. Consider bringing along a seat cushion to make your flight as comfortable as you can. 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 For those traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, the process of getting on a plane could be an intimidating experience. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is achievable with proper preparation and adhering to rules and regulations. Before you book 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 it is at the ticket counter or the gate. In any case, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour before your flight. This gives the airline ample time to check your equipment and ensure it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip. Depending on the kind of chair you own, it may be necessary to disassemble it for transport. In this instance it's a good idea to have instructions for assembly and disassembly the table to aid airline employees who handle your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair. This includes the owner's manual and warranty information. It is also recommended to remove any removable accessories and ensure that all controls are functioning before you leave for the airport. Once you arrive at the airport, your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and then stowed. Airlines are not permitted to charge you extra to store assistive devices, like electric chairs. This is a great benefit for those who have disabilities, as it allows them to avoid costly expenses. Once the plane is in the air in the air, a representative from the airline will be able to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that is able to fit down the aircraft aisle. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as you can or at the jet bridge or at the gate. A trip with an electric wheelchair may seem intimidating, but with proper planning and adherence to guidelines, you can be able to enjoy the pleasure of exploring new locations without difficulty. The most important thing to remember is that if not comfortable moving around in your chair, you will never take advantage of the freedom that travel provides. Check-Out Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people who have mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it's important to adhere to your airline's policies for bringing and stowing your chair on board the plane. If you're traveling with an electric chair, make sure to contact your airline before your trip to ask about their policy and to get any questions answered. Many airlines will allow passengers to bring an electric wheelchair on your flight, so long as it's properly prepared for travel. Some airlines require that you discharge the batteries prior to boarding, and others will require a doctor's letter before they will allow you to travel with your power wheelchair. Some airlines may also require you to disassemble the battery-powered portion of your wheelchair and place it in a protective case. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before the time of departure to ensure that your airline can prepare your wheelchair prior to your departure. Bring any documentation you may require to the airport, like your manual or any directions for assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will make it easier for the check-in process and can help avoid confusion about the policies of your airline's wheelchairs. When you reach the airline ticket counter or at the gate, be sure you be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Explain the type of wheelchair you have and any necessary accessories like seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be examining your wheelchair for stowage or if it will be transferred to the aircraft using 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 reduce the number of times that your equipment will be moved between different locations. Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane, it's stored in the cargo compartment with other checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging you additional fees for the storage of your scooter or wheelchair just as they would with your luggage. If your equipment is damaged, make sure you take a photograph before leaving the airport and immediately notify the airline.