How to Stay Safe When Flying with Your Electric Wheelchair

You want to feel safe when you travel with your electric wheelchair. Many people with disabilities worry about damage at airports.

• 57.89% of travelers using power chairs said they had problems or damage when flying.
  If you follow the right steps, traveling with an electric wheelchair can feel easier and less stressful.

Airline Policies for Powered Wheelchairs

If you want to fly with your electric wheelchair, you must learn the airline rules. Each airline has different rules. Always check with the airline before you buy your ticket.

Battery Rules

Airlines have strict rules for batteries in electric wheelchairs. Here are some things to remember:

• Lithium ion batteries must be in your carry-on bag.

• If you take out the battery, cover the terminals so they do not touch metal.

• Airlines do not let you use lithium metal batteries in powered wheelchairs.

Advance Notice

Tell the airline about your powered wheelchair and needs at least 48 hours before you fly. Telling them early helps them get ready and makes your trip easier.

Questions to Ask

Before you fly, ask these questions:

• What are the size and weight limits for my wheelchair?

• Does my battery follow FAA rules?

• What are my rights under the air carrier access act for mobility devices?

Tip: Always check with the airline for their newest rules. This helps you avoid problems and keeps your electric wheelchair safe when you fly.

Preparing Your Electric Wheelchair

Getting ready for your flight starts at home. When you prepare your electric wheelchair, you lower the risk of damage and make your trip smoother. Here are some steps to help you feel confident about preparing your powered wheelchair for air travel.

Maintenance Checks

Check your power wheelchair before you leave. Make sure the battery is secure and fully charged. Look for any loose wires or parts. If you spot a problem, fix it before your trip. This helps your electric power wheelchair work well during your journey.

Labeling and Contact Info

You want your chair to be easy to identify. Attach a label with this information:

• Your name

• Your address

• Your phone number

• The wheelchair's model

• The serial number

Tip: A clear label helps airline staff return your powered wheelchair if it gets separated from you.

Removable Parts

Some parts of your power wheelchair can come off and get lost. Remove these parts and carry them with you:

• Footrests

• Headrests

• Cushions

• Removable armrests

Put small items in your carry-on bag. This keeps them safe.

Unplugging Joystick

Unplug the joystick and pack it in your bag. This protects it from bumps and damage during loading.

Waterproof Covers

Use a waterproof cover to shield your chair from spills or rain. Covers keep your electric wheelchair dry and clean.

Before you go, gather any manuals or instructions for your chair. If you prepare your chair at home for travel, you help airline staff handle it with care.

Communicating with Airlines

Notify in Advance

You should always let the airline know about your electric wheelchair as soon as you book your ticket. This gives them time to get ready for your needs and helps avoid surprises at the airport. Here’s a simple process to follow:

1. Tell the airline about your wheelchair when you book your flight.

2. Share details about your battery type. Most airlines allow non-spillable and lithium-ion batteries, but you need to check for any limits on size or wattage.

3. Give the size and weight of your wheelchair. Each airline has its own rules, so knowing these details helps with boarding and handling your powered wheelchair.

Tip: Early notice makes your trip smoother and helps the airline provide better accessibility.

Confirm Arrangements

After you notify the airline, you should double-check that everything is set up for your trip. You can do this by:

• Calling the airline a few days before your flight to confirm your wheelchair details.

• Asking if they have made arrangements for special assistance.

• Visiting the ticket counter when you arrive at the airport to make sure your needs are on file.

Airlines must help you from the entrance of the terminal all the way to the gate, through security, and during boarding. If you confirm your arrangements, you can feel more confident about your travel day.

Request Assistance

Don’t be shy about asking for help. You can request special assistance from the airline when you book your ticket or later by phone or online. Many airlines offer help with getting through the airport, boarding, and even storing your wheelchair safely. If you need extra help, just ask a staff member at the airport.

Note: Special assistance services are there to make your journey easier and safer.

When you communicate clearly with the airline, you help make sure your trip is safe and comfortable.

Airport Tips for Traveling with an Electric Wheelchair

Arrive Early

Get to the airport with lots of time to spare. Arriving early helps you feel less rushed. Airports can be crowded and busy. Try to get there at least two hours before your flight. This gives you time to check in your electric wheelchair. You can also talk to airline staff and go through security without hurrying.

Security Screening

Security can seem scary, but you can make it easier. Tell the officers you use an electric wheelchair. They will help you with the process. Sometimes, you may need to move to another chair for screening. If you cannot move, let them know. The officers will use special tools to check your chair. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything.

Priority Lanes

Airports have special services to help you move faster. Wheelchair assistance can help you in many ways:

• Help with check-in and security

• Ride to your gate

• Help with getting on and off the plane

• Help when you arrive

These services save you time and make flying easier. Most airports in the United States give wheelchair help for free. If you want a smooth trip, ask about these services when you book your ticket.

Staff Help

Airport staff are trained to help travelers with disabilities. Their training covers important things:

If you need help with getting around or boarding, just ask. The airline staff want you to travel safely and feel comfortable.

Tip: Stay calm and tell people what you need. Talking clearly helps you get the right help during your trip.

Safety Tips for Flying with a Wheelchair

When you travel, you want to keep your power wheelchair safe. These safety tips help you protect your chair, talk with the crew, and use covers the right way. If you follow these steps, you can feel more confident about flying with a wheelchair.

Protecting the Chair

You can take simple steps to protect your electric wheelchair from damage during your trip. Here are some of the best safety tips:

• Secure the battery before you travel. If your chair has a removable battery, disconnect it and keep it safe. This helps prevent problems during transport.

• Inspect your power wheelchair for loose parts or anything that might break. Fix any issues before you leave home.

• Label your equipment with your name, phone number, and instructions for handling. This makes it easier for airline staff to return your chair if it gets separated from you.

• Use padding or covers to protect sensitive parts like the joystick, armrests, and controls. These areas can get bumped during loading or unloading.

Tip: Take photos of your powered wheelchair before your flight. If something happens, you have proof of its condition.

You can also ask the airline staff to handle your chair with care during boarding. If you show them how to move or lift your chair, you lower the risk of damage.

Communicating with Crew

Clear communication with the airline crew is one of the most important safety tips. You know your powered wheelchair best, so share your knowledge with the staff. Here’s how you can do it:

• Tell the crew how to operate and move your chair. Show them any special switches or brakes.

• Give them written instructions if possible. Attach a tag to your chair with your contact information and simple steps for handling.

• Remind the crew to keep your chair upright and avoid tilting it. Some power wheelchairs can get damaged if they are not handled the right way.

Note: If you feel nervous, ask to speak with the crew before takeoff. You can explain your needs and make sure everyone understands how to keep your chair safe.

Good communication helps everyone work together for your safety. You can relax more when you know the crew understands your needs.

Arrival and Post-Flight Steps

When you land, your journey with your powered wheelchair is not over yet. You still need to make sure everything is safe and working before you leave the airport.

Inspect for Damage

As soon as you get your powered wheelchair back, take a close look at it. Check the frame, wheels, joystick, and battery. Look for scratches, dents, or anything that feels loose. If you spot a problem, do not leave the baggage area yet. Sometimes, damage is easy to miss if you rush.

Tip: Take photos of your wheelchair from different angles before and after your flight. This helps if you need to show proof of damage.

Reassemble and Test

If you removed any parts before your flight, put them back on your wheelchair now. Double-check that everything fits and works. Test the joystick, brakes, and battery. Make sure your powered wheelchair drives straight and feels normal. If something does not work, tell the airline staff right away.

Note: Never leave the airport until you know your wheelchair is safe to use.

Extra Safety Tips

Travel Insurance

You cannot always know what will happen on your trip. Travel insurance helps you worry less. If your electric wheelchair breaks or gets lost, insurance can pay for repairs or a new one. Some plans also help with medical emergencies or lost bags. Before you buy insurance, check if it covers accessible hotels and transportation. Ask your airline if they have special help or insurance for travelers with disabilities. You want to feel safe and ready for anything.

Emergency Contacts

Keep a list of emergency contacts with you. Write down phone numbers for your doctor, family, and the airline’s help team. Add numbers for accessible rides and places to stay at your destination. If you have trouble, you can get help quickly. Keep this list on your phone and on paper. Fast access to help makes your trip safer and easier.

Tip: Tell someone you trust about your travel plans. They can help you if you need support during your trip.

If you use these extra tips for traveling with a powered wheelchair, you can feel confident and enjoy your journey.

You can make flying with your electric wheelchair safer if you plan ahead and speak up for yourself. Here are some main problems and tips from recent reports:

Each day, about 31 wheelchairs and scooters are lost or broken while being moved. Damage can make it hard to get around and do daily things. Smart battery systems and strong brakes help you feel safe when your chair is moved. Power-saving features help you keep going, so you do not get stuck. Always follow these steps to stay safe when your chair is transported. You can feel sure about your trip because you are ready for any problem. Always remember, you should be treated with respect and your chair should be safe every time you travel.