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Traveling With an Airline Approved Electric Wheelchair There are a few things to consider when traveling with a powered chair. The airport staff and airline will ask you about the dimensions of your chair, battery type, and how to use it. Be sure to have these details in hand prior to you leave for the airport. Make sure that your wheelchair has “air-safe” batteries that are in compliance with air travel regulations. What is an airline-approved electric wheelchair? Electric wheelchairs that are approved by airlines are able to be safely transported and stowed on planes. The FAA can approve them for air travel and they can be stowed under the plane as checked baggage. Furthermore they'll be able to navigate on rough surfaces such as gravel, deceleration strips, brick or roads that are muddy. They can also be equipped with a patented drive system that permits them to maneuver through tight spaces or elevators. Airlines will provide assistance with your scooter or wheelchair from the ticket counter until the boarding gate. It is essential to call the airline ahead of time to ensure they are aware of any special needs and to confirm that they can meet them. Some airlines require that you arrive an hour before your scheduled departure, which is especially important in 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 is first come first served. They also require that any extra batteries be inspected in conjunction with the scooter or wheelchair as federal regulations require that they be disconnected from the device unless the chair is equipped with an effective design to stop accidental activation. United Airlines requires 48 hours advance notice before taking electric wheelchairs or scooters on their flights. They also request to check-in one hour prior to your flight time 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 information regarding your mobility wheelchair or power scooter. Safety Electric wheelchairs that are endorsed by airlines are designed to provide a safe and convenient method of travel. These electric chairs can be folded and are in line with airline standards for battery size handling, stowage, and handling. Contact the Special Assistance department of your chosen airline ahead of time to discuss the specific guidelines for powered mobility equipment. These representatives can help you plan your travel itinerary and provide you with the latest information on battery requirements. They can also provide instructions on how to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair. Some airlines require that you remove the battery from your chair to ensure safety and then place it in a bag for carry-on. This is to ensure that the battery's terminals aren't exposed, and that it is stored upright. Depending on the airline you fly with, you may need to label your wheelchair. This would include your name, your address, your number, as well as your wheelchair model. This will enable airport and airline personnel to quickly and precisely identify your equipment in the event it is lost or mishandled during your journey. 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. It is recommended to arrive at at minimum two hours prior to the departure time you have scheduled to ensure the proper storage of your equipment is accomplished. If you can be there earlier than two hours prior to the time you plan to depart. This is especially important during busy holiday seasons or rush hour. This lets you check in early and provides ample time for the airline representative to assist you with the stowing of your chair. Before you leave and leave home, take a photograph of your wheelchair to use as proof in the event that your device is damaged on the flight. This will help you in pursuing compensation for the damages from the airline. You should consider bringing a seat cushion to make the flight as comfortable as you possibly can. Using a seat cushion is especially important when you travel for longer than an hour, because this will minimize pressure on your skin and prevent soreness. Check-In For those traveling with an airline approved electric wheelchair, boarding a plane can be a daunting prospect. Traveling on a plane with a powered chair is feasible with right preparation and adherence of rules and regulations. Before booking your flight, talk to 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 regardless of whether it's at the counter for tickets or at the gate. In either 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 that it will be safely towed to be ready for your trip. Depending on the model of your power chair, it may be necessary to disassemble the chair prior to transportation. In this situation it is helpful to have instructions for assembly and disassembly hand to assist the airline employees who handle your chair. It is also an excellent idea to attach any safety and maintenance documents to your chair, including the owner's manual or warranty information. Also, remove any accessories that are removable and check that all controls work before you depart for the airport. Once you arrive at the airport the electric chair will be loaded into the cargo hold and stowed. The airlines are not allowed to charging an additional fee to stow assistive devices, like electric wheelchairs. This is a great feature for people with disabilities, as it helps them save money. A representative from the airline can transfer you from your powered wheelchair to a wheelchair that can be able to fit into the aisle of the aircraft when the plane lands. You will then be able to get off the plane and your power wheelchair will be returned to you as close to the airplane door as you can or at the jet bridge or at the gate. A trip with an electric wheelchair can seem daunting, but with the right planning and adhering to guidelines, it is possible to experience the joy of exploring new places easily. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you are uncomfortable in your chair, you will not be able to fully take advantage of the freedom that travel provides. Check-Out Airliners are notoriously crowded and can be extremely stressful for those who have mobility issues. Having a wheelchair or scooter can make the experience less stressful for you, but it's essential to follow the policies of your airline regarding the transportation and storage of your chair on board the airplane. Contact the airline ahead of time to learn about their policies regarding power chairs and to inquire about any questions. Most airlines allow you to bring a motorized wheelchair with you on your flight, so provided it's prepared for travel. Certain airlines may require you to discharge the batteries before boarding, and some will require you to have a medical note in order to allow you to fly using your electric chair. Some airlines may also require you to remove the battery-powered part of your wheelchair and place it inside a protective case. When you arrive at the airport, make sure you arrive at least two hours before the time of departure to allow your airline enough time to prepare your wheelchair for the flight. It's recommended to bring any documentation, like the owner's manual as well as any instructions for assembly or disassembly for your mobility aid, with you to the airport. This will speed up the process of checking in and will make sure that there is no confusion about your airline's wheelchair policies. When you reach the ticket counter of your airline or gate, make sure you explain your mobility needs clearly. Provide the type of wheelchair you have and any other accessories you may require, such as seat cushions or sideguards. Ask the airline if they will be storing your wheelchair in a separate cart or examining it for storage. If you're taking a transfer to the plane using your electric wheelchair, you should try to book a direct flight, which will cut down on the amount of times your equipment will be transferred between different locations. Once My Mobility Scooters is on the plane, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment along with your checked baggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from charging extra for storing your scooter or wheelchair the same way they would with your luggage. Take a photo of your equipment in the event that it arrives damaged. Notify the airline immediately.