I shamelessy copied this from another thread where I posted:
(Disclaimer: My husband is a mechanic for a major airline, and we know many gate agents, luggage handlers, ground crew members, etc.)
The best thing to do is to drive it down to the gate of the plane. That way, it can be "gate checked", and you can use it at the airport(s). Remember that it is quite a long hike from the gates down to Disney's Magical Express, (or just to the luggage carousels) so you both may be glad to have it with you!
Here's the procedure I use when I fly with my personal
ECV:
First, I let the airline know when I book my flight, and again about 3 days before I fly I remind them. When I arrive at the airport, I will drive the
scooter all the way to the gate, including through TSA.
At TSA, they will ask if you can stand to be scanned. The scooter will typically be checked over as well. If you have a bag with a charger for the scooter (and/or extra batteries and accessories) that will fly "free" as part of the scooter. Be sure to have that ready and available for TSA to check as well. My bag is clearly marked (by the manufacturer) as being for the scooter.
Once you clear TSA, go directly to your gate. I have found it best to arrive early, so that there is time to allow the gate agents to properly notify the ground crew and the captain that there will be a scooter. The FAA requires that the captain of the plane be advised whenever large batteries (such as are used in wheelchairs and scooters) are being loaded on the plane. He/she is told where the batteries for the device will be stored while the plane is in flight. The ground crews are notified about the scooter so that space can be reserved in the gate-check hold for the scooter.
At the gate, I wait until the gate agents have started to process the flight I am taking. I will then approach the desk, and let them know that I am gate-checking my scooter. They will work with you on a gate-check tag for the scooter. (like a luggage tag, but tells the ground crew to store the scooter in a different part of the plane) They will ask if the battery is removable. If it is not, that's OK - just be sure you know how to disconnect the battery when you get it down to the door of the plane. If the connectors are exposed, I would take along something to either cover them (like some blue painters tape) or a velcro strap to hold them back out of harms way. (I always tape my connectors just for safety)
Trust me, the gate crews WILL appreciate you being early, and letting them know about the scooter. Even though that info is supposed to be in the system, you are helping make their job a bit easier, which will make everyone happier!
My scooter has a fully removable battery, and I take an extra battery with me, along with my battery chargers (one for each battery, so I am ready to go every day at WDW!) and a small tool kit that the manufacturer sends with the scooter. If you have any paperwork given to you regarding your scooter's battery, be sure to carry it with you. All of that goes into a travel bag from the manufacturer that is stored in the cabin of the plane with me. So, I drive down to the door of the plane, and I get off the scooter, remove the battery, and hand off the scooter to a ground crew person. They load the scooter in a compartment that is held aside for strollers, scooters and wheelchairs and certain other gate-checked items.
I then go to my seat, and put the battery/accessory bag in the overhead bin.
When we arrive at our connecting airport (no direct flights to Orlando from our city!) typically the cabin crew will let me know when the scooter has come up from the hold, and is next to the door. Then I gather everything up, put the battery back in my scooter, and drive up the ramp to my next gate, where I will shampoo, rinse, repeat!
Disney's Magical Express should be able to accommodate the scooter as well. You should give them a heads-up as well, to let them know that you will be bringing a scooter so that the driver is prepared, and a bus with a lift can be allocated.
All in all, it's not at all difficult to take a scooter on a plane. I was very nervous the first time I did it, but once I saw how everything worked, I was VERY glad I took it with me! Just arrive a bit earlier, and everything will be fine!
If you have any airline-specific questions, you can always call the airline, and they will typically be glad to work with you regarding the scooter, and answer any questions about their procedures.
