How to properly pack and transport a power wheelchair on a long trip?

When traveling long distances, transporting an electric wheelchair requires following a series of reasonable and safe packaging and transportation steps to ensure that the wheelchair is adequately protected during air shipment and complies with the relevant regulations of each airline and the Organization. of International Civil Aviation. Processing procedures and precautions are detailed below:

1. Notify the airline in advance: During the ticket purchasing stage or at least 24 to 72 hours before the flight departure, proactively contact the airline to clearly inform them that you will need to check in in a power wheelchair and ask in detail about the specific conditions. Rules and requirements for wheelchair check-in. .

2. Provide necessary documents: Prepare important documents such as the electric wheelchair's instruction manual, battery type and its specifications. If you have medical needs, be sure to bring relevant medical certificates to facilitate procedures.

3. Battery Handling: For leak-proof batteries, make sure they are securely installed in the wheelchair and do not cause short circuits. If the battery is removable, follow IATA dangerous goods transport regulations. It is generally necessary to remove the battery from the wheelchair, place it in a special leak-proof packaging box, and take insulation protection measures. Regarding lithium-ion batteries, according to ICAO regulations, these batteries must be removed from the electric wheelchair and carried by passengers to the cabin. Please note that different airlines have restrictions on battery capacity. For example, China Eastern Airlines stipulates that the rated watt-hour of each battery should not exceed 300 Wh. If you exceed this standard, there will be stricter transportation conditions.

4. Wheelchair packaging: If the original manufacturer provides a special packaging box, priority should be given to using the original packaging to provide the best protection for the wheelchair. If there is no original packaging, you can find a professional luggage packing service at the airport to pack the wheelchair safely in a designated place. The staff will use special materials to secure the different parts of the wheelchair to prevent movement or damage during transportation. Make sure all loose parts are properly stored and secured, especially those critical and sensitive areas that may be damaged by impact.

5. Arrival at the airport: Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance and allow sufficient time to complete the wheelchair check-in, inspection and packing procedures.

6. Complete check-in procedures: After arriving at the airport, immediately go to the relevant airline counter, explain the check-in requirements of the electric wheelchair to the staff in detail, and complete the relevant procedures according to the instructions.

7. Confirm arrangements after arriving at the destination: Be sure to communicate and coordinate with airport or airline pickup staff prior to departure to ensure that the power wheelchair can be obtained and reassembled (if applicable) at time after arriving at the destination. .

8. Insurance Considerations: Consider purchasing additional travel insurance for your power wheelchair to cover the risk of loss or damage that may occur during transportation.

When preparing to travel with a power wheelchair, be sure to pay attention to the latest aviation regulations and specific airline policy developments. Relevant regulations may change over time and policy adjustments.