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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair There are several things you should consider when traveling with powered chairs. The airport staff and at the airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to handle it. Make sure you have these details ready before you go to the airport. Make sure your wheelchair has “air-safe” batteries that comply with the air travel regulations. What is an airline approved electric wheelchair? Electric wheelchairs that have been approved by airlines are those that can be safely transported and stowed on planes. They usually have non-spillable batteries that are FAA-approved for air travel and can be stored under the plane as checked luggage. In addition they'll be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips, bricks, or roads that are muddy. They may also have a patent-pending power drive system that allows them to move in tight spaces or lifts. Airlines will provide assistance with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the gate for boarding. It is essential to contact the airline prior to your departure to ensure they are aware of any specific requirements and to confirm that they are able to meet them. Certain airlines require that you arrive an hour ahead of your departure time which is crucial during peak travel times. Southwest Airlines has a special compartment in the cabin of passengers of their planes for the stowage of a mobility scooter or wheelchair. This space is limited and operated on the basis of first-come-first-serve. They also require that any additional batteries be checked as part of the scooter or wheelchair since federal regulations require that they must be removed from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to prevent accidental activation. United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before taking electric wheelchairs or scooters on their flights. They also require that you check in an 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 personnel can obtain details on assembly and disassembly as well as other useful details about your mobility wheelchair or power scooter. Safety Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to ensure secure and comfortable travel. They can be folded and are in line with airline standards for battery size, handling and stowage. Contact the Special Assistance department of your preferred airline prior to your trip to discuss their specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. They can assist you in planning your trip and provide you with the most up-to-date information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions for assembly and disassembly. Some airlines ask that you remove the battery from your wheelchair for safety reasons and place it in a carry-on bag. This is to ensure that the terminals are not exposed and the battery is secured in an upright position. Depending on My Mobility Scooters use depending on your airline, you might be required to label your wheelchair with the following details: your name address, number and model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event that it gets lost or is mishandled on your trip. You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings like the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will allow you to remain in your seat during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel. You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage. If you can you can arrive earlier than two hours before your scheduled departure time. This is especially important during busy holiday periods or rush hour. This allows you to check-in early and gives the representative of the airline plenty of time to help you stow your chair. Take a picture of your wheelchair prior to travel. This serves as proof if your device is damaged on the flight. This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline in case of damages. You should also think about bringing a seat cushion with you so that your journey is as relaxing as possible for you. Cushions for seats are essential for flights lasting over an hour. They can reduce the pressure on your skin, and will prevent soreness. Check-In For those who travel with an airline approved electric wheelchair, boarding a plane can be an overwhelming experience. However, with proper preparation and adherence to rules and regulations, traveling with your power chair is feasible. Before you book your flight, you should speak with an airline representative to find out more about their policies and procedures. They can assist you in the best way to check into your seat whether at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either case, arriving one hour before your flight is suggested. This allows the airline to examine your equipment and ensure that it is properly and properly stored to be ready for your trip. Depending on the model of your power chair, it may be necessary for you to disassemble it prior to it is transported. If this is the case, it's beneficial to have clear instructions for assembly and disassembly on hand to help the airline personnel handling your chair. Attach any safety and maintenance documentation to your chair. This includes the owner's guide as well as warranty information. It is also recommended to take off any accessories that can be removed prior to when you travel to the airport and also to ensure that all the controls are working properly. Once you are at the airport your electric wheelchair will be loaded and placed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The airlines aren't allowed to charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is an excellent benefit for people with disabilities since they can save money. A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair which can be able to fit into the aircraft aisle when the plane arrives. Then, you will be able to disembark, and your powered wheelchair will be returned to you closest to the plane's door as is possible, either at the jet bridge or at the gate. It may seem daunting to travel with an electric chair, but with right planning and following guidelines you can have fun exploring new places. It is important to remember that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair, you will not be able to travel with the freedom it offers. Check-Out Airplanes are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for people with mobility issues. The use of a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow your airline's policies for bringing and stowing your chair on board the airplane. Contact the airline in advance to inquire about their policy regarding power chairs and to ask any questions. Most airlines allow you to bring an electric wheelchair on your flight as provided it's prepared for travel. Some airlines might require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some may require you to have a medical note in order to let you fly with your motorized chair. Certain airlines may also require you to take apart the battery-powered component of your chair and then place it inside a protective case. Get to the airport at least two hours before the time of departure to ensure that your airline will be able to prepare your wheelchair prior to flight. Bring any documentation you might need to the airport, such as your manual or any instructions on the assembly or disassembly of your mobility aid. This will help speed up the check-in process and help avoid confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies. When you arrive at the airline ticket counter or gate, make sure to be able to clearly communicate your mobility needs. Provide a description of your wheelchair as well as any other accessories you might require like seat cushions 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 you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, make sure to make a direct flight which will minimize the number of times your equipment will be moved between different locations. Once your wheelchair is on the plane it will be stored in the cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging additional fees for the storage of a wheelchair or scooter. Take a photograph of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Contact the airline immediately.