Everyday the skies are full of people traveling from one part of the country to another and even from one part of the world to another. People who use wheelchairs or who require oxygen therapy and must always have an oxygen concentrator or oxygen cylinder or Oxylite system available can travel by air as easily as anyone else can. It does take a little prior planning to make sure you will have the oxygen you need during your travels. You also need to know what your rights are in the event that you meet up with an uninformed employee. The Air Carrier Access Act and Air Carrier Access Rules ensures that individuals with disabilities are treated without discrimination by the airlines. All airline facilities must include one accessible route from an airport entrance to the ticket counters, boarding location, and handling areas. Shuttle vehicles and wheelchairs must be available for those who need them. The disabled CANNOT be restricted to or confined in any way. A person with a disability or with medical equipment (even a wheelchair, walker, scooter, oxygen portable system, cane, etc) must undergo the same security screening as other passengers. If the individual can pass through the security system without activating it, that person shall not be subject to special screening. Security personnel can examine an assistive device if they believe it capable of concealing a weapon. If the individual can not pass through the security system without activating it, he can be examined in the same manner as any other passenger. That might mean examination with a hand-held device or a private physical search. Assistive devices and medical equipment can travel with the passenger. Passengers may bring on board and use ventilators and respirators powered by non-spillable batteries as long as the batteries meet FAA safety regulations. The airlines might require you to check your unfilled oxygen cylinders or oxygen concentrator and use their oxygen. Assistive and medical devices have a priority over other carry-on items brought by passengers at the same airport, but not over items from previous stops. If loaded in the cargo department, these medical equipment and assistive devices must be among the first unloaded. Wheelchairs are to be given similar consideration and priority. A folding wheelchair, walker, or transporter can go in the airplane cabin. Electric wheelchairs are also to be transported. Spillable batteries must be removed unless the wheelchair can be loaded, stored and unloaded in an upright position. Non-spillable batteries would not have to be removed. Airlines can not charge extra for any services that might be required. They can however require the passenger to check in one hour before flight time. Damage waivers are not required to be signed. On board, airline personnel are to assist the passenger with moving to and from the seat, opening and identifying food, assistance to the lavatory, and loading and unloading carry-on items. Airline personnel are not required to assist with feeding, movement inside the lavatory or in performing medical services. |
