Plan ahead by letting the airline know you plan to travel with your device. Be ready to give them the manufacturer’s name and model. It’s important to know if your device uses an airline approved lithium battery or dry cell battery. (Lithium batteries will normally need to be taken out of your device and will go with you into the passenger’s cabin when flying, so be prepared to take that with you.)- If you can, plan for direct flights (or connecting flights with as few layovers as possible and enough time to make the connections). Equipment is more likely to be lost or damaged when there are multiple layovers.
- Check all the airport websites that you plan to travel through for their Accessibility and Assistance information to understand the services provided. Phoenix Sky Harbor’s Information can be found at www.skyharbor.com/accessibility-and-assistance.
- Remove all device accessories (you will not need) before you go to the airport.
- Charge the battery completely the night before travel.
- Place an Apple Air Tag or Tile on your device so you can track it’s location.
- Arrive to the airport early so you have enough time to make it through security with your device.
- Tag your equipment with your name and phone number, as well as the weight of the device and instructions for folding/disassembling to help the baggage handlers. Laminate these things and zip-tie to the device so they can be used again.
- If you are driving a powerchair, remove the joystick or put something around it to protect it.
- Make sure the device is powered off when you leave it. Also leave it in it’s folded position or with the seat down if it disassembles.
- Take a photo of your device with your cell phone when you leave it in the event any damage happens to it while you are enroute.
- When you get to your destination, test drive the device immediately and report any damage issues to the airline BEFORE you leave the airport.
Don’t let a mobility challenge stop you from the joy of seeing your loved ones and exploring the world. Mishaps and delays may happen on the journey, but with advance planning and the right device, you can travel safely and comfortably and create a lifetime of memories with your family and friends.