Re: Delta experiences w/scooter

[Guest guest]

hello, when i went to florida a few yrs ago, we just rented a wheelchair for me

down there since we would have to spend more money to transport it, since it was

electric therefore weighed a lot more. a scooter, i don't know. if you hurry,

there may be a chance that you can rent one at a local medical center down

there, or lpa may have some that you can reserve.

rrapert@... wrote:Hello all,

If this has been asked a long time ago, I apologize for asking again, but has

anyone had experience w/Delta and handling a scooter? Reason I ask- it's right

now the cheapest airline for us at least for Orlando in July.

Thanks,

P.S. I don't know how it is in your district, and by no means am I saying

dressing up is wrong, but I know in ours that from 1997-98 to now, our regional

banquets have become really casual (sometimes even jeans or shorts, depending on

the theme). I'm not saying regionals should become national etiquette, but

really, we've become a lot more relaxed as a culture in general...

===

[Guest guest]

When I flew out of Orlando alot, I used to solely fly Delta and they

had no problem with my electric wheelchair as long as I had gel cell,

sealed batteries. I believe that is the major issue. They took very

good care of my chair for the most part.

Also, as far as dress and the banquet, a word of caution. The banquet

is in Orlando, in July, and let me give you a weather report now, very

sunny, very hot and very muggy with the highs being in the mid 90s.

You may get lucky and get the occasional afternoon shower which cools

things off for about an hour and a half but that will be about it. I

know as an OIer I tend to be a hot and sweatty person, so I dress

accordingly. Orlando to me is not the best place to have a conference

if you want to focus on outdoor activities as a focus besides the

conference.

Chad

> Hello all,

>

> If this has been asked a long time ago, I apologize for asking

again, but has anyone had experience w/Delta and handling a scooter?

Reason I ask- it's right now the cheapest airline for us at least for

Orlando in July.

>

> Thanks,

>

>

> P.S. I don't know how it is in your district, and by no means am I

saying dressing up is wrong, but I know in ours that from 1997-98 to

now, our regional banquets have become really casual (sometimes even

jeans or shorts, depending on the theme). I'm not saying regionals

should become national etiquette, but really, we've become a lot more

relaxed as a culture in general...

[Guest guest]

Mobility Depot here in New Orleans rents them so you may want to contact one

in the area you are going too. Take in mind they only have so many to rent.

I have a Kitchen Kart but it's been years since I traveled with it. In some

airlines Kitchen will fit in the over head compartment.

Irwin

[Guest guest]

My Kitchen Kart is rechargeable flashlight batteries. Hatachi 10 in each

pack. Think that is dry cell.

Irwin

[Guest guest]

I own a Kitchen's Kart as well and because of the battery there

isn't any airline that wants to carry it on board. I thought the

battery was a dry cell battery but it is not, because of that it is

against all airline regulations for carrying that on board. It

stinks but those are the rules. If I am wrong in this info someone

please tell me because I'd feel better if it could be on the plane

and not under it.

-

[Guest guest]

yeah i think that's the agency. when we traveled again, we just borowed a manual

from a friend of my mom's friend. so much easier than the electrical hassal that

we would've had to go through to take my chair.

LittleMagicMan@... wrote:Mobility Depot here in New Orleans rents them so

you may want to contact one in the area you are going too. Take in mind they

only have so many to rent.

I have a Kitchen Kart but it's been years since I traveled with it. In some

airlines Kitchen will fit in the over head compartment.

Irwin

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

What is a Kitchen Cart? I keep hearing about them, but dunno what

they are

Thank you

[Guest guest]

and List:

The NEW Kitchens's Carts use two SEALED gel-cell batteries. I do not

know the Federal Register code off the top of my head, but gel-cells

and dry cells are legal on airlines. Furthermore, on these carts,

both gell-cells are contained within the body. Therefore they are

effectively double-sealed.

The airline will also want the scooter to be electrically

disconnected - you want this as well so that no one's luggage will

fall on your " go " buttons and run down your batteries. On the newer

Kitchen's carts, when the key is turned off and removed, the scooter

is electically disconnected and - therefore - in compliance. These

scooters also have the added benefit that they " free-wheel " when

they're turned off and this makes them easier to handle for airline

baggage people (unless it's someone from US-Air who is probably

chronically sick with the union flu anyway).

The OLD Kitchen's carts use 20 Ni-Cd dry cell batteries and had to be

disconnected electrically by removing one of the white plugs located

underneath near the back wheels. The newer models, though heavier,

are much better for a lot of reasons (e.g. fuse access, circuit

breaker, key switch disconnect, etc.) Both are 24 volt systems fused

at 8 amps.

As far as airlines and scooter handling:

My successes have been with:

Southwest (By far the best with scooters)

Delta

Northwest

My marginals have been with:

American (Asks a lot of stupid questions)

Alaska-Horizon (Horizon broke my old scooter)

My DO NOT FLY list includes:

United (Absolute worst)

US-Air (Just read the news)

America West (Based on other's experience)

Airlines I have not used and - therefore - have no opinion:

AirTran

ATA

Non-US rs

Hope this helps,

Randy " Road Warrior " Bradford

P.S. When I drive or fly myself, I have no issues with airline

compliance. When there is time, driving is far more convenient.