Do you rely on a mobility scooter when traveling? If so, you may have thought about bringing it with you on an airplane, but often at the last minute, people get overwhelmed by not knowing what the rules are around transporting such devices. Well, never fear—keep reading to find out everything you need to do in order to have your mobility scooter flying-ready! Here we go! How to fly with a mobility scooter
Did you know that, according to the FAA and ADA, we passengers here in the United States are entitled to a free baggage check-in for our mobility aids? That’s great news! It’s awesome that we can get this assistance without having to shell out a penny extra. So no more paying through the roof just to get your equipment on board; this perk is definitely worth cashing in on.
Make sure you stick to the airline’s rules. You can typically check your scooter in with your luggage at the airport; help getting to the terminal is available if needed.
Plus, don’t forget to board early, and someone will be on hand to assist you with bringing your mobility scooter from baggage claim. Give yourself plenty of wiggle room when doing check-in and navigating through the airport before take-off—no rushing!
Packing List
In case you have any mobility scooters while out on the open road, having the make and model of your car down pat is a must! Don’t forget to bring a note from your doctor or necessary prescriptions if needed; this way, replacing your device in the unfortunate event it gets lost or banged up will be hassle-free. And for any scooter scraps that arise from traveling, make sure you snap some “before and after” pictures for proof.
Don’t forget to throw in a couple of chargers and some extra batteries when you’re packing for your trip—better to be safe than sorry!
Tips for Flying with a Mobility Scooter
Document Your Scooter
Snap a quick picture of your scooter and document its condition before you turn it in. That way, if there are any dings or scratches on it when you pick it up, you’ll have the evidence to back you up! Time-stamped photos play an important role in settling claims with the airline, so make sure to keep them safe!
Book Early
Have you been thinking of booking a mobility scooter? Then don’t wait any longer. Tip number one: book it early! That way, you can enjoy the full benefits and avoid missing out when they all get snapped up. So, take my advice and be ahead of the game: reserve your set of wheels now!
Check the Regulations of Your Destination
Who would have thought your destination might not be accessible to those using mobility aids? Just imagine—no wheelchairs or scooters allowed! What a shame. Although it’s a harsh reality, it’s something to keep in mind when making those fateful decisions regarding our final abode.
As you wander the globe, depending on where you go, you’re sure to come across a mobility scooter or two—either something brand new or something so familiar it’s become part of the scenery. But while exploring the terrain, be mindful that roads may be bumpy and there could be oodles of steps involved, not to mention that the rules of the road vary from place to place. So, do yourself (and your device!) a favor and find a safe spot for it before hitting the streets!
TSA Pre-Check
By all means, don’t overlook getting TSA Pre-Check; it’s the bee’s knees! That’s our fifth bit of advice. It can definitely come in handy and save you gobs of time, so don’t miss out!
Are you looking to avoid the dreaded airport security lines? Now is the perfect time to get on board with TSA Pre-Check! For just $85, you can enjoy stress-free travel for five years—no need to fumble with your shoes, belt, laptop, or light jacket. To get started, go online, submit an application, and arrange for a 10-minute interview. From there, your KTN (Known Traveler Number) will appear on all of your tickets and boarding cards. So don’t miss out on this great opportunity; join TSA Pre-Check now!
Always have your scooter key handy to prevent misplacing it or accidentally activating it while tucked away in the air. Be sure to clue the attendant in on how to turn off your mobility aid by tossing them the keys, so they can just give it a push with their hands if need be.
Check the Airline Rules
Unfortunately, not all airlines are prepared to assist you with your mobility scooter, so it’s best to be one step ahead! Give them a heads-up and give their customer care line a call in advance to reserve your flight. That way, they’ll know you’re coming in with the scooter, and there’ll be no surprises on the day!
They’ll likely need some details about your scooter before tucking it away for the journey—things like size, battery type, and weight. Get ’em already, so the packing can be taken care of swiftly!
Get up to speed on airline regulations—from checked baggage allowances to pet policies and more—by taking the time now to get acquainted with them. This way, you’ll be saved from any potential headaches at the airport! And knowing that long lines due to security or unexpected flight delays can be a real bummer, understanding and following your airline’s rules can help make the experience smoother.
Check Your Mobility Scooter Battery Information
Don’t forget to give your mobility scooter batteries a check-up! Without them, you’re out of luck. So make sure to always keep an eye on them; it’ll save you from unexpected issues.
And if you take proper care of them, they’ll provide reliable power for years and years. When you arrive to check in at certain airlines, be sure to look out for a little tag they may place on your battery. Don’t forget to bring your charger; it might come in handy when your device needs power and you’re nowhere near an outlet!
Insurance Coverage
You should definitely get insurance coverage for your mobility scooter, just in case. After all, who wants to pay out of pocket if something goes wrong? Sure, you’re probably entitled to some form of compensation, but rest assured, it won’t come close to the actual cost. It might be enough for a wheelchair that you don’t necessarily love, or it may have a cut-off price limit that won’t cut it. Therefore, purchasing more insurance could be your best bet!
Get a Gauge on Your Luggage Allowance
Have you determined ahead of time whether your mobility scooter is considered checked luggage? Wow, if that’s the case, you’d better make sure the total weight of your scooter plus any items you’re carrying won’t be more than the allowed limit. Keep in mind that several airlines consider mobility scooters “odd-size baggage”, which means they’ll keep them apart from regular bags.
Plan Ahead
It’s quite possible that when you look beyond the US and most of the European Union, norms can be quite different. Therefore, it’s important to plan your trip with extreme accuracy, paying close attention to all details, from the transportability of mobility scooters in taxis, etc. With careful consideration and organization, you’ll ensure a successful and enjoyable journey!
Pros and Cons of Flying with a Mobility Scooter
Pros
Cons
Increased independence and easy airport navigation
Airline restrictions: size and weight
Convenience: eliminate the need for assistance
Battery limitations: battery capacity, removal, and transportation
The FAA and ADA ensure that passengers in the US are allowed to check in with mobility aids without any cost! To take advantage, just make sure you follow the airline’s guidelines. Generally, your scooter can be stowed right alongside the rest of your bags at the airport—totally free of charge!
No need to worry about extra costs for medical equipment or mobility scooters when flying; the FAA and Americans with Disabilities Act have got you covered!
Conclusion
A mobility scooter provides the perfect solution for everyday tasks, restoring a sense of independence and enriching your life! Passengers on board, you’re in luck! In line with the Air Carrier Access Act, mobility scooters are allowed right up to the airport gate and airplanes. Yes indeed—that includes electric wheelchairs too! So now you know how to fly with a mobility scooter! What are you waiting for? Take your seats onboard.
Hi! My name is Johnathan, and I am the creator of ScooterAdvice360.com. Having been riding motor scooters and bikes for over 20 years, I have picked up a few things! I ran my own scooter store in Florida, selling all manner of motor scooters, mobility scooters, hoverboards, e-scooters and accessories, from Forzas to Vipers, Hellcats to Vespas.
Here, at ScooterAdvice360.com, I want to ensure everyone has access to the information that they need to enjoy their bikes and scooters for longer.
