Flying with a power wheelchair generally comes with questions and uncertainty. Many people feel that traveling with a wheelchair is scary or just too difficult. There are concerns with getting through security, transferring from the wheelchair to their plane seat, and what happens when the plane lands. In this blog post, we're going to put all your questions and doubts to rest, so the next time you're flying with a power wheelchair, you can begin your trip feeling confident that you can get through the airport, on and off the plane with ease, and get your wheelchair at your destination.
Before You Book Your Flight
Tip number 1, Check the airline's power wheelchair guidelines. Every airline can have a variation of what is allowed and their procedures of handling a power wheelchair. Before you book your flight, read through their guidelines.
If you ever get confused reading through the guidelines, you can always call the airline and speak with one of their representatives.
What To Look For Before/When Booking Your Flight
There are a few rules you'll want to watch for. Just so you don't miss any of the important things to look for before you book your flight, here's a guide on what to look for or ask about.
Wheelchair size/weight limits
No matter what airline you book, there will be a power wheelchair size and weight limit (the limit will vary between airlines). Then make sure your power wheelchair fits within their requirements.
Battery acceptance
This is a big one that many power wheelchair users don't think of. There are certain battery types that are on the no-fly list. If your power wheelchair has a spillable wet-cell battery, improperly labeled or damaged lithium battery, or an oversized lithium-ion battery, your power wheelchair will NOT be able to bring your powerchair. If you have a lithium-ion battery, these generally will be allowed but the airline might have rules on the watt-hour limits. The airline may ask for documentation of your battery, so make sure you have that before you book or travel. These batteries are generally accepted: Sealed lead-acid (SLA), Gel batteries, and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries.
Note that Scooter Direct does not sell any mobility scooters or power wheelchairs with spillable wet-cell batteries, we only use AGM or Gel Sealed batteries which are TSA approved.
If you have a Lithium Battery then you need to understand the following::
- A lithium battery can not exceed 300 Watt Hours (WH)
- Battery must be removed from the Power Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter and taken onto the airplane with you.
- Battery must be carried on the plane in a fireproof carry bag to ensure any potential fire is contained within the bag.
Number of wheelchairs per flight
Power wheelchairs are generally heavy. Some airlines may have a limit on how many powerchairs are allowed on the aircraft.
Advance notice
Most airlines will need to know in advance if you are traveling with a power wheelchair. This is so they can accommodate the space and weight, and if they have a limit, that's accounted for. Many airlines require 48 hours in advance notice, but check with the particular airline.
Boarding assistance
Most airlines offer some form of boarding assistance. Confirm they do and ask them about their board assistance procedures.
Special handling
Power Wheelchairs are not standard lugging. You want to make sure that the airline will treat your power wheelchair carefully. Learn how the airline will handle your powerchair to ensure their protocols will get your chair to your next destination safely.
Return of chair
See where your power wheelchair will be picked up. Some airlines will have your powerchair ready for you at the gate, while others will be at baggage claim. Also see how the airline handles if there's a delay in getting the powerchair. Will they provide a wheelchair to use?
Damage liability
Your powerchair is expensive and a major piece of your life. Know what the airline's policy is if your power wheelchair gets damaged or lost. Make sure you know the process, so you know when you need to do something, such as fill out paperwork, what the timeframe looks like, and what their responsibilities and duties are.
Things To Do Before Your Trip
Before you go to the airport, there are a few things you may want to do to speed up the process of going through the airport and to put your mind at ease.
Bring Documentation
Bring documentation on the specs of your power wheelchair. Have the wheelchair make and model numbers, weight, size, and battery information available. This will save time on them determining if your powerchair fits under their guidelines and you won't have to take the time to look it up.
Instructions of Operation
There are going to be moments when your chair is fully in the hands of the airline staff. It's a good idea to include instructions on how to operate your power wheelchair. Include:
- How to turn on/off the chair
- How to move the chair forward, backwards, left, and right.
- How to detach the joystick (and other parts that may need to be removed)
- How to put the chair in put it in freewheel mode
Prepare Your PowerChair
Since there are differences in the makes and models of powerchairs, there are some things recommended you should do to make sure your chair is well taken care of and handled safely (Keep in mind, nothing is guaranteed, you just want to make sure you do your part to help keep it safe).
Label The Parts Of Your Power Wheelchair
Label at least the detachable parts of your power wheelchair; the joystick, headrest, footrests, cushions, ect. If possible, these parts are safest if you pack them on your carry-on or personal bag.
Tag Your Powerchair
Don't lose your powerchair in a mix up. Tag and label your powerchair with your name, address, phone number, email address, and wheelchair make and model.
Write Down Handling Instructions
Write down how you would like the airport staff to handle your power chair. Include things such as your contact information, battery info, how to turn off the chair and put it in manual mode so it can be pushed, areas to lift the chair by, places not to lift from (You do not want them lifting from the joystick, armrests, ect), and what the detachable parts are and where they will be stored.
Take Photos of Your Power Wheelchair
In case your power wheelchair is damaged, you have proof of what condition your chair was in before you left it in their care. The photo will also be helpful if your chair happens to get lost.
If You Travel or Plan On Traveling A Lot
If you travel a lot, a dedicated travel power wheelchair is worth a serious look. Your everyday chair is perfect for home life, but having a travel power wheelchair will make your travel journey a lot better. A travel-specific model is built with portability and airline rules in mind, so the whole experience gets easier on you and gentler on your equipment.
Travel Power Wheelchair
The travel power wheelchair is more compact and much lighter in weight. The frames of the travel power wheelchair are generally made of aluminum, making it lightweight. The batteries are smaller in the travel power wheelchair so it's airline compliant. The travel power wheelchair is smaller in size, making it easier to maneuver and get around the airport. Just keep in mind that the travel power wheelchair may have a lower weight capacity and cannot travel as long. Travel power wheelchairs usually either fold up or disassemble into smaller parts, making it easier to put on the plane.
Folding Power Wheelchair
The folding power wheelchair is a lightweight, compact power wheelchair that folds. The folding power wheelchair is a great chair to travel with, as it's so easy to use. The folding wheelchair is a type of travel wheelchair, so these typically follow airline rules. The folding power wheelchair is the best for people who want the easiest load-and-go option.
Recommended Travel Power Wheelchairs
There are several great travel power wheelchairs, but how can you find the one that's right for you? Below are our recommendations that can get you started in finding your travel wheelchair. For more assistance, feel free to reach out to our ScooterDirect customer service team. Our knowledgeable team is always here to help.
Lightweight Power Wheelchair
Good news is all travel power wheelchairs are lightweight power wheelchairs, but if you are looking for the lightest chair, consider the Pride Jazzy Ultra Light. Its heaviest part weighs only 33 lbs, making it an excellent choice for a lightweight power wheelchair. When the chair has all its components on, the total weight of this lightweight power wheelchair is 38 lbs. That's impressive. And this lightweight power wheelchair has a weight capacity of 300 lbs.
Recommended Travel PowerChair
The Golden LiteRider Envy is a popular choice for a travel power wheelchair. It disassembles into 4 smaller pieces, making it easy to transport on more than just the aircraft, but it's easy to fit in the truck of a car too (you can save money on a rental vehicle, no more requesting for vans and SUV's!) The heaviest piece weighs only at 35 lbs and this powerchair has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. This is a great power chair for anyone who is on the go.
Folding PowerChair
The Golden Cricket Folding Power Wheelchair is a great choice of folding power assist wheelchair. The total weight of this power assist wheelchair is 39.5 lbs. This power assist wheelchair easily folds and unfolds and is known for being comfortable.
Enjoying Your Trip
With a travel power wheelchair, your journey through the airport will be much easier. When you get to your destination, make sure to enjoy! The travel power wheelchair can be used both indoors and outdoors, as long as you are on smooth surfaces. That means you can enjoy museums, stores, strolling through the park, theme parks, and more!
If you plan on taking your regular power wheelchair or even your all-terrain power wheelchair, you still can, just make sure you check with the airlines on their rules and let them know you plan on bringing your all-terrain power wheelchair.
