Transporting a Power Mobility Device on an Airplane
The process of transporting a mobility scooter or travel power wheelchair on a plane is rather simple. What most people don’t know is that it is also FREE. You do not have to pay any additional baggage fees to transport your medical devices per the FAA and ADA.
Plan Ahead
Upon making reservations, you must notify the customer service representative about your mobility device that you will be traveling with. If the airline tells you otherwise throw out the word acronym ADA and see how quickly you will be transferred to a supervisor. Get ready to give the airline information about your mobility scooter or power wheelchair. All of the necessary information will be found in your user manual. The information that may be asked about is the battery size and battery type, along with the make and model of the mobility device.
Policies and procedures are different from airline to airline and they must be complied with. For instance American Airlines requires a doctor’s note indicating that your mobility device meets medical necessities for your condition. They also require that proper documentation be filled out prior to checking in your mobility scooter or power wheelchair.
Boarding Your Mobility Device
Once you have arrived at the airport, check in and follow the instructions given to you by customer service to further accommodate your needs. At this point your mobility device will be taken by a worker of the airline and taken to the plane. Most often you will be transported via standard wheelchair through the security check points. You will also be boarded on the airbus first as you are disabled. You will be transported down the jet bridge and assisted in to your seat.
Once you have arrived to your destination, you will be transported back to the baggage claim area where you mobility scooter or power wheelchair will be brought to you personally. Airline employees are familiar with mobility scooters and power wheelchair so you will be in good hands.
Take Pictures
I would strongly consider taking pictures of your mobility device at the airport, before the device is taken from your possession. Damage claims to your mobility scooter or power wheelchair must immediately be brought to the airlines customer service at the time your mobility device is returned to you. Without any pictures it is hard to claim a damage claim on the device. The airline is responsible for your possessions and sometimes accidents do happen. A worker could accidentally drop or crash your mobility device when loading or unloading your unit. There have also been many damage claims in the past because of turbulence.
Let’s do a simple recap about the most important points about transporting a mobility scooter or power wheelchair. Following these simple guidelines will save you time and money when traveling to accommodate your needs on an airplane.
· Free to transport per ADA and Federal Laws
· Notify the airline about your mobility scooter or power wheelchair
· Get a doctor’s note and fill out the necessary airline paperwork
· Take pictures of your mobility device at the airport
· Retrieve your mobility scooter or power chair at baggage claim