Scooters and airplanes

[peemagg]

I'm just wondering if anyone out there who has traveled with a scooter on a airplane, has any tips for making it easier for traveling with it?

 

[toocherie]

Hi there--my Mom and I took her scooter to WDW from California last November. It was actually very easy--we were flying on Delta, but I think it would be similar on most airlines.

She rode the scooter all through security (of course, she was subject to extra security) and to the gate. At the gate, the agent gave her a special gate tag, and then she rode it all the way to the door of the plane. At that point she used her walker into the plane (but I believe they have special wheelchairs if you can't walk). The luggage people took her scooter and took it to the luggage hold in the plane. We of course, loaded first with special needs.

At the end of the flight-we were last off the flight, and the scooter was waiting for her at the door of the plane.

You do need to tell the airline ahead of time what type of batteries your scooter takes--if it's "wet cell" they have to have a special container for them. Most scooters take "dry cell" batteries and they've good to transport without special handling.

Hope that helps!

 

[LauraVV]

I took mine last year. Didn't cause a problem. I don't recall letting them know in advance but, then, mine was new and sealed. Our travel agent may have told them about my ECV. I couldn't have travelled in the parks without it. Heck, I would have had a horrid time at the airport without it.

 

[toocherie]

I took mine last year. Didn't cause a problem. I don't recall letting them know in advance but, then, mine was new and sealed. Our travel agent may have told them about my ECV. I couldn't have travelled in the parks without it. Heck, I would have had a horrid time at the airport without it.

Yeah--those walks in the airport can be long!!! Especially if you're at the farthest gate.

 

[Piper]

I've flown with mine several times. I just remove the basket, charger, and crutch holder.....fold down the seat and tiller and lock it in position. I've had no problems so far.

 

[toocherie]

Piper--that is a good tip--I removed my Mom's basket and other "loose" items and put it in a bag and carried it on the plane. I remember Sue (the moderator) indicating she did that with her DD's chair.

 

[peemagg]

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Schmeck]

Take photos of the ECV (all four sides, and one from up above if you can) and have them with you. Bring the ECV manual with you as well. This helps if the ECV is damaged in flight, or if you need help reassembling.

 

[SueM in MN]

Hi there--my Mom and I took her scooter to WDW from California last November. It was actually very easy--we were flying on Delta, but I think it would be similar on most airlines.

She rode the scooter all through security (of course, she was subject to extra security) and to the gate. At the gate, the agent gave her a special gate tag, and then she rode it all the way to the door of the plane. At that point she used her walker into the plane (but I believe they have special wheelchairs if you can't walk). The luggage people took her scooter and took it to the luggage hold in the plane. We of course, loaded first with special needs.

At the end of the flight-we were last off the flight, and the scooter was waiting for her at the door of the plane.

You do need to tell the airline ahead of time what type of batteries your scooter takes--if it's "wet cell" they have to have a special container for them. Most scooters take "dry cell" batteries and they've good to transport without special handling.

Hope that helps!

There is a picture of the special wheelchair boarding chair on the disABILITIES FAQs thread. It's called an aisle chair.

Be sure to tell them that you want to preboard. Some airlines will just preboard you automatically (ESPECIALLY with an ECV), but some will expect you to ask if you plan to preboard.

Piper--that is a good tip--I removed my Mom's basket and other "loose" items and put it in a bag and carried it on the plane. I remember Sue (the moderator) indicating she did that with her DD's chair.

It's a good idea to take everything off that you can.

 

[peemagg]

Thank-you everyone for the help. This will be the first trip with my scooter and I am a bit worried about it and the plane. Thank-you for helping to relieve that stress.

 

[chris1gill]

just remember if they break something they are responsible for fixing it. I have a powerchair, so a little different, but they always wind up having to fix something, some airlines are better than others I've found.

 

[Absimilliard]

I work at an airport (in Canada) and there are times where having your ECV right at the door of the aircraft is nearly impossible, due to the design of the gate, the age of the area of the airport and the size of the aircraft. The newer gates at my airport feature elevators for wheelchairs, luggage, strollers at certain newer gates, but most of them don't. It means that the baggage handling employees would have to take the ECV up 10-20 feet in the air, on a narrow, steep metal staircase... Recipe for disaster basically for everyone involved. As for "guaranteeing" a gate with an elevator, it is impossible, since no flight has an assigned gate. Gate assignments are done on theday of flight, based on what gates are working and other flights on the ground at the same time. The worst case at my airport for my airline would be a Boeing 777-300ER parked at one of the old gate. The distance between the aircraft door and the ground is around 17 feet. Add the gate and a narrow and stairs angled at 20-25 degrees and it is impossible to carry a large and heavy item like a ECV.

If you're informed that your ECV or wheelchair is not available right at the door, please understand it is for the safety of the employees.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you're informed that your ECV or wheelchair is not available right at the door, please understand it is for the safety of the employees.

and the safety of your equipment.

Thank you for that insight about the process.
I have been told that sometimes it is not possible to gate check an ECV for the same reason.