Disclaimer: The following travel tips are for informational reference only. Permobil does not make any clinical, operational or warranty claims about any product, feature or service mentioned below.
Travelling with a power wheelchair can be downright stressful, but with our Travel Checklist we hope to make the process a little less painful. We’re splitting our checklist into four categories: before you go, travelling by car, travelling by plane, and if something happens to your chair. Let’s begin!
Before You Go
- Fully charge your batteries
- Pack your charger. If you are traveling abroad, check that your charger is compatible.
- Make sure your chair has been recently serviced.
- Located a Permobil authorised dealer where you will be travelling.
- Write down you serial number and keep it with you.
- Consider getting bag hooks, armrest pouches, or a Permobil essentials carrier for extra storage.
Travelling by Car
- If you are travelling with your chair outside of the vehicle, make sure that the chair is protected with a waterproof cover.
- Ensure that your chair is properly secured to the vehicle.
- Consider using safety lock if you plan on leaving your chair unattended with your vehicle.
Travelling by Plane
- Contact your airline ahead of time to plan for the transport of your chair. Make sure to describe the type of chair you use and consider the airplane size to make sure it fits your needs.
- Be aware that some airlines may ask you to sign a waiver regarding their responsibility for your chair during transport.
- Write down the type of batteries installed on your chair and how much your chair weighs, some airlines may ask for this information.
- Take photos of your chair’s condition prior to checking in at the airport.
- Allow an additional hour to check in with your wheelchair and be assisted at the gate before boarding.
- Make sure to inform the check-in attendant of any medical equipment you have, that way they can mark as fragile.
- Request that your chair travels upright in a stable position.
- Remove the top portion of the backrest shell and lay it in the seat to decreased the height of your chair and allow it to be loaded/unloaded more easily.
- Position your joystick to the inside of the armrest to further protect it during transit.
- Put the chair’s drive motors into freewheel mode and switch off the chair’s circuit breaker to allow airline personnel to move your chair without driving it.
- Make sure your chair’s seating system is shrink wrapped prior to loading in order to keep the backrest and other chair components together during transit.
- Use bubble wrap when needed for more protection, such as headrests, omni displays, or other accessories.
- Attach a tag to your chair and any removable parts with your contact information.
- When you get to your gate, ask the gate attendant if you can talk with the ramp supervisor. You can give them the checklist and explain how to take care of your chair.
- Take your cushion with you on the plane for increased comfort while you travel.
- Remember, make sure to advocate for yourself. Because what works for others may not work for you.
- Some airlines have hoists to assist with transfers on the aircraft, if required check with the specific airline to confirm if this is available.
- If travelling with a service dog advise the airline prior to travel to have approval for the dog to travel on board.
If Something Happens to Your Chair
- Remain calm. Remember, having the right attitude can do a lot of help resolve an otherwise stressful situation.
- File a claim with the airline or other travel provider before you leave the airport.
- Contact a Permobil representative in your area. They will do whatever possible to help you get back up and running.
Please refer to your owner’s manual for additional safety tips and transportation guidelines.
Rachel Fabiniak PT, DPT
Director of Clinical Services
Rachel Fabiniak began her studies at The Georgia Institute of Technology, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2009. Rachel then went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2013. After receiving her doctorate, Rachel went into clinical practice as a physiotherapist in the Spinal Cord Injury Day Program at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Ga. Rachel also has experience in community physiotherapy and inpatient rehabilitation. During Rachel’s time at Shepherd Center, she developed a passion for seating and mobility which ultimately led to her career with Permobil. Rachel joined on with Permobil in January 2018 and relocated to Sydney, Australia in June 2018 as the clinical education specialist for Australia and New Zealand. In February 2020 Rachel moved into the role of Director of Clinical Services for Asia-Pacific.