Nope. You (mostly) have it right!
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 visual inspection of the chair, 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 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 wheelchair 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.
- 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.
Just some extra info: Please take along a pair of bicycle gloves for either the rider or the (potential) "pusher" of the chair. It is very easy to cover in excess of 10 miles per day at WDW, and hands will quickly get blistered and sore. Also, sitting for many hours at time in a standard wheelchair can become uncomfortable; you may want to consider bringing a gel cushion, or padding out the chair with towels from the Resort while at WDW.
Hope this is helpful! Have a Magical trip!