Is there a charge for an Electric wheelchair and can they go on a plane?
Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at
6:06 pm
My wife uses a battery powered chair. and would like to take trips. How do airlines handle this problem?
Call the airline and ask if the battery that your chair operates on is FAA approved. If so, you will be able to planeside check the electric chair on the jet bridge. If your wife is unable to walk by herself, the airline will provide someone to help your wife to board the aircraft with a wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle. There is no fee to check your chair as you are not able to bring it in the cabin of the aircraft. Once you land your wife’s chair will meet her once she gets off the aircraft on the jetbridge. Just make sure the airline you are taking is aware so they are able to plan ahead of time and it will save you time as well!
Hope this helps!
Airlines never charge for checking in your one wheelchair. They are trained to assist you with your special needs. Contact the airline you are traveling on and they will answer any concerns/questions you have. Also, you can go to their website online and search for info on customers traveling with disabilites/special needs.( Don’t forget to request a seat assignment!)
The wheelchair can be checked at the ticket counter or at the boarding gate. Just make sure you arrive at the airport an hour before departure, preferably 90 minutes as it can get very busy and you want to avoid any stress of airline travel.
Airlines do have customer support. Call them and ask some advice. I’m pretty sure they have answers for that. Good luck and take care!