ECV on plane

[EpcotQueen]

We rent 2 ECVs each time we come to Disney. Have had issues past 2 times with one of them...stopping constantly. Thinking of buying one. Husband has difficulty walking through the long terminals at the airport. How do the airlines handle a passenger who arrives with an ECV?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Use ECV to get thru airport to plane.
2) Airplane stores it before you get onboard.
3) You walk onboard or they have a special narrow wheeled chair to get you to the seat.

Note, some airports make you transfer to a wheelchair and check the ECV as luggage.

 

[mamabunny]

To expand a bit on @TheRustyScupper's reply...

I travel with my own personal ECV. Here's what I expect to experience when I fly with my ECV:

- between a week and 10 days prior to flying, I contact the airline to let them know I will be traveling with my own device. Some airlines don't care; others will have a special department reach out to you to discuss your needs prior to the flight.

- I arrive early for the flight. I personally prefer to be at the Airport about 2-½ hours early. This is to allow for the bit of extra "work" you will do with the personal mobility device.

- When I check my luggage with the airline, I let them know that I will be gate-checking my device, and that I DO NOT need an aisle chair.

- Next is TSA. Here, it is fastest if you can stand and walk through the machine, and then allow them to manually "clear" your device. Since my ECV has a battery bag + charger, that adds time to the process, as that must be x-rayed separately by the TSA (at least at our home airport and when departing MCO) Most TSA checkpoints have a wooden cane handy to help with balance if you need some extra help.

- TSA will typically do a thorough visual inspection of the device and may swab it as well.

- Unless you are TSA "Pre-Check" be prepared to remove shoes, etc.

- Once through TSA, I go directly to my departure gate. As soon as an airline employee appears to work that flight, I let them know that I will be gate checking my ECV and that I do not need an aisle chair. (I also have to discuss removal/storage of the battery for my ECV with them). Sometimes, they will put the gate-check tags on right then, other times they will do it just before you board the plane. Be alert to boarding times, as you will typically board in the first group.

- When it's time to board, you will typically be called in the first group. Carefully proceed down the Jetway ramp (don't try to make your first Disney ride a runaway ramp spectacular!) and when you get to the door of the plane, move to the side, and then hand the device off to a member of the ground crew (or a "host"). It will be either stored inside the plane, or much more likely will be stowed under the plane in a cargo hold reserved for gate-checked equipment.

- Enjoy your flight!

- Towards the end of your flight, ask a flight attendant to let you know when your device is ready after you land. Just like at WDW, you load first, but get off last, so be prepared to wait a bit. Typically the plane is 50% or greater "unloaded" by the time I get my ECV back outside the door of the plane.

(If you have a connecting flight, be sure to add some extra time between flights to allow for the retrieval of your device at the connecting airport. I usually add at least 30 minutes, just for safety and sanity)

- DME (Disney's Magical Express) will store the device under the coach if you can make the stairs - if not, then you can ride on the device after it is placed on the lift, and then transfer to a seat on the bus.

Hope this is helpful! Have a Magical trip!

 

[stitchlovestink]

My experience is almost the same as Mamabunny's with a few differences. When I check my luggage, they do the initial paperwork for my ECV. Then when I get to the gate, I go to the counter and they do the 2nd half of the paperwork then.
I am asked to board before the first group (SW) at the front of the medical preboards as they want as much time as possible to prepare the equipment.
After landing, I don't wait to deplane. I NEED desperately to change positions and stand for a little bit. So I deplane at the beginning and then stand off to the side until the bring my ECV to me. I only wait between 5 and 10 minutes for it. They generally bring it before they start bringing the strollers. So it is easier for me to be there and ready to move it and get it out of the way.
I almost always fly SW right now.

 

[mamabunny]

@stitchlovestink makes a good point - you may have a slightly different experience based on the airline you are flying with.

We primarily fly American Airlines because... that's who the hubs works for... LOL

But you should have a pretty good picture of how things work now! And remember: it's OK to tell the gate agents, TSA, flight attendants, and anyone you work with that this is your first time traveling with an ECV. I bet you'll find that the majority of them will be very helpful!

 

[EpcotQueen]

Thanks all! Now I need to convince my husband! You've all been very informative.

 

[Gilrond]

Thanks for the really clear step by step, mamabunny. I have never flown with my own (don't need full time currently). I also have a 3 wheeler with a smaller battery size than the smallest rentals - I'm a bit short - and am afraid my battery would not last for a day in the parks. It just has to do indoors and I rarely do more 3 miles in day.

 

[Grateful Mickey]

Awesome details / step by step! Bravo!!

 

[mamabunny]

Thanks all! Now I need to convince my husband! You've all been very informative.

Yay! Glad we could help!

My hubby was reluctant to purchase my first personal ECV... and then he saw how happy I was again. That I could be independent at home... and I could go shopping, and go to concerts and events... I could go to my favorite museums, and venues. I could go to the movies again, and not have to fear the lines at the ticket window or the concession!

Remember - an ECV is just a tool - like eyeglasses to see better, or a hearing aid to hear better - to help you do what you normally would do.

Thanks for the really clear step by step, mamabunny. I have never flown with my own (don't need full time currently). I also have a 3 wheeler with a smaller battery size than the smallest rentals - I'm a bit short - and am afraid my battery would not last for a day in the parks. It just has to do indoors and I rarely do more 3 miles in day.

You're welcome!

First of all, if you have the opportunity, I would check on a new battery for your personal device. Some replacements have a higher capacity - so you can run longer. My ECV manufacturer actually has 2 sizes of batteries available: the "regular" size and the "large" size. I have 2 large size batteries and 1 regular, so I can literally run 24 hours without needing to recharge if needed. (but I always recharge all of my batteries at night! ) You might be able to replace your battery, or purchase one as a backup that you carry onboard your scooter. Disclaimer: my personal device is designed so that my batteries literally stack one on top of the other (secured with Velcro straps all the way around) and can be "swapped" simply by plugging/unplugging the battery you want to use in the stack.

And that's important - always start your day at WDW with a fully charged battery! It seems obvious, but it's so easy to forget to charge up because you get back to the Resort, and you are tired, and you want to just fall into bed - but make sure you charge up all of your ECV batteries for the next day!

Remember that good "battery hygiene" will also go a long way to extending the life of your battery in the Parks at WDW. So, turn off the ECV any time you are not moving. Sitting and watching the parade? Turn it off. Stopping for a cup of coffee? Turn it off. Stopping to consult a map, look at your phone, rest in the shade? Turn it off! Get in the habit of turning off your ECV any time you are not moving, and see what that does for your overall daily battery life at home.

WDW can be hard on battery-powered mobility devices; all of the ramps (so many ramps!) and hills and slopes... It can take a toll. You always have the additional option of taking along your battery charger and "topping up" the battery any time you will be off of it for more than, say, 15 minutes. Ask a Cast Member where the nearest electrical outlet is that you can plug in to - especially during longer shows, and meals.

I hope this is helpful!

 

[arminnie]

This is a great thread. I was just about to start one asking who had flown SW with their personal ECV. I've only had my personal ECV for a couple of months. My DH and I usually drive to WDW - but as he's not as big a fan as I am I wanted to know my options for flying with my ECV.

Plus we have a big trip planned to California this fall for my college reunion. I want to show my DH the campus, but no way can I walk it. Stanford's campus has more than 8000 acres.

 

[mamabunny]

This is a great thread. I was just about to start one asking who had flown SW with their personal ECV. I've only had my personal ECV for a couple of months. My DH and I usually drive to WDW - but as he's not as big a fan as I am I wanted to know my options for flying with my ECV.

Plus we have a big trip planned to California this fall for my college reunion. I want to show my DH the campus, but no way can I walk it. Stanford's campus has more than 8000 acres.

Once you fly with it, you'll see that it's not as hard as you *think* it will be! I have to say, in all honesty that the return trip home from WDW is always hardest; MCO (even with TSA PreCheck) is just slow and cumbersome to get through. Historically, getting there 2 hours early is barely enough time - we are going to start requesting a 3 hour window on future trips.

I always fly one airline - because my husband works for them - but even if he didn't, I think I would try to fly the same airline when possible, just because each airline does have their own way of handling things like ECVs. The really great part about flying with your personal device is that you have it (literally) all the way to and from the door of the plane, so it makes those giant-sized airports (like DFW, O'Hare & Atlanta) "do-able" for me again. I hated, loathed, and despised (no, really, I DID NOT LIKE IT - can you tell?) being dependent on "passenger services" to push me everywhere; I cherish my independence and my freedom so much that it really made me miserable.

I do strongly recommend calling your airline as soon as you have your dates locked in and/or tickets purchased. Work with them to find out their specific procedures and policies, and you should have a great time flying!

 

[stitchlovestink]

This is a great thread. I was just about to start one asking who had flown SW with their personal ECV. I've only had my personal ECV for a couple of months. My DH and I usually drive to WDW - but as he's not as big a fan as I am I wanted to know my options for flying with my ECV.

Plus we have a big trip planned to California this fall for my college reunion. I want to show my DH the campus, but no way can I walk it. Stanford's campus has more than 8000 acres.

I fly SW with mine several times a year. Let me know if you have any specific questions. If you buy your tickets through the regular website, there's a link for you to enter the information for your ECV. it's very simple to complete. If you book using the mobile app, you will need to call to add your ECV info.
Super easy to fly SW with your ECV.

 

[arminnie]

Stitchlovestink - Thanks so much for the reply. Do you gate check yours? I also appreciate the tip on using the app vs online.

I prefer to fly SW. I lived in Dallas when SW was started about 45 years ago. I love their success.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Stitchlovestink - Thanks so much for the reply. Do you gate check yours? I also appreciate the tip on using the app vs online.

I prefer to fly SW. I lived in Dallas when SW was started about 45 years ago. I love their success.

I fly out of BWI which is now a SW hub. I have had wonderful success with SW.
I gate check mine. When we arrive at the airport, we do curbside check in as it is always faster. They see the ECV and do the initial paperwork (which only takes a few minutes). You get a copy and a copy is attached to the ECV. Be sure to have them put it somewhere very visible but also won't tear off super easy. When you get to your gate, go to the "check in counter" (or whatever it is called) and let them know you want to gate check your ECV. They will finish some other paperwork to also attach to the ECV along with a tag that says "check at the gate". You will get a copy of that too. Then you just wait. They will want you to board prior to general boarding because they want to have as much time as possible to get it down to the cargo hold and get it on safely and carefully.
Remove your key, your basket from the front (it could get bent or broken) and anything else removable. I take my charging cables out of the back pocket so they do not fall out and get lost. I also put my tiller down against the seat, retighten it and then fold the seat back down on top to "help protect the tiller".
Carry your basket on and put it in the overhead bin. It is considered medical equipment. They don't want anything that can come lose on your ECV while in the cargo hold.
To help them complete the paperwok, it helps to know how much your ECV weighs and to also know about your battery. Is it dry cell or a wet cell battery. This should be in your owner's manual. And almost all ECVs these days are dry cell which is great because they don't have to do anything extra to a drycell like they do a wetcell battery.
And I only add a few minutes to my time allowance. For me, travelling with the ECV is easier and faster than without.

Let me know if you have any other questions. ☺

 

[arminnie]

Thanks you so much Stitchlovestink!!! I wish there was a LOVE button in addition to the like.

 

[The Hunchback]

Do any of you have an ECV that dismantles? My husband says those cannot fly as they break to easily for the airline to handle. True?

 

[stitchlovestink]

Do any of you have an ECV that dismantles? My husband says those cannot fly as they break to easily for the airline to handle. True?

No, not true at all!!
Mine can be broken down into 4 separate pieces. I have flown with it many many times. I have never been told they cannot/will not take it. It has never been damaged except for one arm, and the airline ordered a replacement from the manufacturer (exactly the same as what I had) and had it sent directly to me. It was easier that getting my luggage that was damaged fixed!!

 

[mamabunny]

Do any of you have an ECV that dismantles? My husband says those cannot fly as they break to easily for the airline to handle. True?

My ECV can actually be folded into a travel bag the size of a golf bag, however because it's so lightweight, the gate crews never fold it; they just carry it down the jetway stairs to go under the plane as is.

I *do* remove anything that could cause a problem when I fly; so no undercarriage lights, I take off all my accessories that I normally leave on when I am at home, etc. I pop that stuff into a bag, and into my luggage it goes. I also have a "spacer" that I had custom made - it is a block that takes the place of the battery because the battery on my particular model of ECV is "structural"; when the battery or spacer is installed, it holds the trailing arms open at the right distance for the ECV to operate properly. If the ECV were (for example) to be laid on it's side and then something fell on top, and crushed down the trailing arm without the spacer in place, it could cause enough damage to render it unusable. So, I pop the spacer in and away it goes under the plane.

I've flown tons of times with it, and never had a problem.

 

[ktate82]

We are taking DMIL's scooter for the first time this June and flying SW (she always rented before). When I called in to tell them, they told me that when we got to our gate, the agents may take the scooter then to put it under the plane before boarding started. I'm taking from other people's experiences that they wait till we board? We paid for EBCI for all of us (there are 6) and DMIL would like to wait and board with us. Will they let her?

 

[mamabunny]

I would call SW and discuss the situation; you may need to tell them that she wants/needs to take the ECV all the way down to the door, but does not need the aisle chair as long as she can go straight to her seat.

It may be that they will have a manual wheelchair for her to get down the jetway; some airlines and/or airports prefer to take ECVs down directly from the gate because if they are over 50 pounds they will have to take it to a lift or elevator so that it an go down to the ramp area, and be loaded into cargo. Typically, the airlines that I fly on will let you take it all the way to the door, and then a gate agent or someone from "host services" will take the ECV back up the ramp to the gate, and then send it down.

Call SW, and see what their plans are to accommodate her to the gate of the plane.