The problem was the friggin airlines not posting or letting people’s know ahead of time that other plans for travel might be necessary
well you know united airlines is slacking in a lot of things. Why do I get the feeling he’s flown a lot and this was the first time they did this?
To check in on line and in the fine print of the ticket the battery issue is addressed.
In the regular battery section which is quite detailed there is a link to the Special Needs Section:
We do not require information concerning the extent of a disability, however, the more information we have about you, the better prepared we are to meet your needs. United requires 48 hours advance notice and an hour in addition to the published airport check-in processing time of your originating airport if you:
Need onboard medical oxygen in flight (available on flights between Guam (GUM) and Tokyo (NRT) and flights between Guam (GUM) and Honolulu (HNL))
Will be using your FAA-approved respirator, ventilator, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or your own personal oxygen concentrator (POC) (United does not provide POCs)
Require disassembly and/or packaging of a wheelchair battery
Will be transporting an electric wheelchair on an aircraft with fewer than 60 seats
Are traveling with a group of ten (10) or more people with disabilities
Plan to travel with an emotional support or psychiatric service animal in cabin
Special meals require a minimum of 24 hours advance notice, however we appreciate as much advance notice as possible.
You mean posting it like this:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/tdg/lithium-batteries-are-dangerous-goods-1162.html
” For larger items containing lithium batteries, such as mobility aids or medical equipment, you should contact your air carrier for further details.”
I suppose personal responsibility is a lost art.
I know that for many years airlines posted on websites what was not authorized—including certain types of batteries. Gate agents used to inform those checking wheelchairs at the counter and planeside of the rules. I would think that protocol is still in place today—but since I have avoided air travel for years I am not current as to what has transpired in the last 10 years and hopefully not for at least the next 10—Lord willing.
I now am fortunate to travel via motorhome and would do nothing else as long as that option exists.