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

Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair There are a few things to consider when traveling with a powered chair The staff at the airport and at the airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair battery type and how to use it Make sure you have these details ready prior to your trip to the airport Make sure that your wheelchair has airsafe batteries that are compliant with air travel regulations What is an airapproved electric wheelchair Airline approved electric wheelchairs are designed to be transported and stowed safely on planes They will typically have a nonspillable battery that is FAAapproved for air travel and can be stowed underneath the plane as checked luggage They will also be able move on rough surfaces like gravel deceleration stripes brick or muddy road They could also be equipped with an exclusive power drive system that permits them to navigate in tight spaces or lifts Airlines will provide assistance with your wheelchair or scooter from the ticket counter until the gate for boarding It is however important to contact them prior to time to ensure that they are aware of your needs and to confirm they can meet those needs Some airlines require you to be at least one hour prior to the departure time you have scheduled This is crucial during busy travel periods Southwest Airlines has a compartment in their cabins for the storage of one wheelchair or mobility device The space is limited and on an initialcome firstserve basis The federal regulations also require that all extra batteries be checked by the wheelchair or scooter They must be shut off unless they are specifically designed to avoid accidental activation United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice when taking an electric scooter or wheelchair aboard their flights They also request that you check in an hour prior to your flight to ensure the proper handling of your equipment In addition they ask that you complete their Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport staff with assemblydisassembly instructions and other helpful details about your power chair or mobility scooter Safety Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are designed to offer a safe and convenient method of 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 chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment They can assist you in planning your travel plans and provide you with the latest information on battery requirements They can also provide instructions on how to disassemble and assemble your wheelchair Certain airlines require that you remove the battery from your wheelchair to ensure safety and then place it into a carryon bag This is to ensure that the batterys terminals arent 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 including your name address number and model This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it gets lost or is mishandled on your trip You might want to consider purchasing aftermarket slings such as the CARES Harness or ADAPTS Sling that will assist you in staying in your seat during transfers with airport personnel and airline personnel Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure that your equipment is in good storage If you are able 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 earlier and gives ample time for the representative of the airline to assist you with stowing your chair Take a picture of your wheelchair before you travel This serves as proof if your device is damaged during the flight This will give you the possibility of pursuing compensation from the airline for damages You should also think about bringing a seat cushion with you so that the flight is as comfortable as possible for you Seat cushions are especially important for flights that last more than an hour They can reduce pressure on your skin and will prevent soreness CheckIn If you are traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair the process of getting on a plane is an overwhelming experience Air travel with a power chair is feasible 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 assist you in the best method to check into your seat whether it is at the counter for tickets or the gate In either case its advised to arrive at least one hour before your flight This allows the airline plenty of time to check your equipment and make sure that it is safely stored to be ready for your trip Depending on the model of your power chair it may be necessary to disassemble the chair prior to it is transported If this is the case it is beneficial to have clear assembly and disassembly instructions on hand to help the airline personnel handling your chair It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety or maintenance documents to your chair including the owners manual as well as warranty information It is also an excellent idea to take out any detachable items prior to you travel to the airport and to ensure all of the controls are working properly Once you arrive at an airport your electric chair will be placed in the cargo hold and stowed Airlines are not allowed to charge extra fees for the stowing of assistive devices such as power chairs This is an excellent benefit for passengers who have disabilities as they can avoid unnecessary costs Once the plane is in the air in the air a representative from the airline will be in a position to transfer you from your powered wheelchair to one that is able to slide in the aisle of the aircraft Then you can disembark and your wheelchair will be returned to you at the shortest possible location to the aircraft door or at the jetbridge or at the gate A trip with an electric wheelchair can seem intimidating but with proper planning and adhering to the guidelines it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new places easily It is essential to keep in mind that if you do not feel comfortable in your chair you wont be able to enjoy the freedom it provides CheckOut Aircrafts can be packed and this can be stressful for those who suffer from mobility problems If you have an electric or wheelchair can make your experience more enjoyable However its important that you follow the airlines policies regarding taking your chair with you and storing it on the plane Contact the airline prior to departure to find out their policy on power chairs and to ask any questions Most airlines allow you to take an electric wheelchair on your flight so youve prepared it for travel Certain airlines will require that you charge the batteries prior to taking off and others will require a doctors letter before they will allow you to fly with your power wheelchair Certain airlines may also require that you remove the batterypowered portion of your chair and then place it in a case that is safe Make sure you 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 might need to the airport like your manual or any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid This will make it easier for the checkin process and can prevent any confusion regarding the policies of your airlines wheelchairs When you arrive at the counter for tickets or gate make sure to clearly communicate your mobility needs Explain your wheelchair and any accessories you may need such as seat cushions or sideguards Ask the airline if theyll be checking your wheelchair for stowage or whether it will be transported to the aircraft using an adapted cart If you are transferring from your electric wheelchair to the plane make sure you book an express flight to reduce the amount of times your equipment is moved between different locations Once your wheelchair has been loaded onto the plane it is stored in the cargo compartment along with other luggage that is checked The US Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair just as they would with your luggage Take a picture of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged Contact My Mobility Scooters

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