Flying and Sailing with a Powered Mobility Device

Airlines

The most important thing when it comes to flying is to check everything with the airline beforehand. Airlines differ on their policies with regards to powered mobility aids.

There are different rules for Lead-Acid (AGM, SLM, Sealed Gel) and Li-Ion Batteries. In some cases, Lead-Acid batteries can stay connected to the device even when checked as baggage. Li-Ion batteries will always need to be removed from the device and carried on the plane with you.

Contact your airline's dangerous goods department. This is so they can issue you with a certificate for your battery, which lets you take it through security and on the plane. If possible, do this a month or more in advance.  

Make sure you have a protective pouch for your battery, as you will most likely be required to transport it separately from the device itself. Be prepared also to tape over the terminals to protect from short-circuit. 

Some airlines will allow your Mobility Device to be stowed in a special compartment along with strollers and wheelchairs; others will require you to check them in along with your luggage. A few things to remember if you're using check-in: 

If you're using a soft bag for your Mobility Device at check in, attach fragile stickers or a photograph of it to the outside. This way, baggage handlers are far less likely to be careless. 

If you're not using a bag at all, fold your Mobility Device in the flat position, particularly for Scooters. In this position, the seat protects the Scooter tiller, typically the most vulnerable part of a Scooter. 

If you're using a hard case, use some amount of padding on the inside. 

Cruises 

Most cruises accept mobility aids, however a small minority does not. So, the first step is to call up and find out. After that, here are some specifics: 

The dimensions of the Scooter or Power Wheelchair are important for when you have questions about accessing parts of the ship.

The accessibility of beds and bathrooms. If the person you talk to is unsure, ask for pictures. This way you can eye-ball your potential accommodation yourself. 

Not all ports are equipped with suitable docking facilities, particularly in Asia. For instance, without a multi-story passenger terminal, your cruise ship will simply lower a ramp (often narrow and steep) down to the shore. You may not be able to use your Powered Mobility Device to embark or disembark.

NOTE: This may be dependent on the tide, which will be different when boarding then when you left. Talk to your Cruise Staff upon disembarking. Depending on your level of mobility, it might not be possible for you to visit a particular stop-off. Check first.