This thread is very helpful.
Does anyone know if all airlines allow taking an ECV right to the plane? I know most do.
It just seems like its time to buy one after spending so much money renting them, especially now that we are doing longer stays.
It is only needed for Disney vacations, but like I said, it really adds up!
As far as I know, all airlines allow you to take your personal mobility device all the way to the door of the plane; however you can easily find out by simply calling your preferred airline, and asking.
I can't stress enough - arrive a bit earlier than you normally would (I add 30 minutes, but we typically arrive two+ hours early anyway, so...) to allow a bit of extra time. You may find that TSA at certain airports will pull you and your device aside for a special "swabbing". That's OK. Don't worry; it just adds a bit of time. (Don't leave any personal items in the basket, under the seat, or hanging off the seat; be prepared, and run those through in the bins provided.) Make sure that your ECV battery is compliant with current FAA regulations regarding size and battery chemistry - I personally know of someone who flew out of the US with a battery that was approved for travel in the US, but the manufacturer wasn't aware that the "oversized" battery they sold at the time was illegal in a number of Asian countries; he had to leave a $500 battery in China (local officials wouldn't even allow it to be shipped back to the US, it was confiscated) and arrived back in the states with his personal ECV, but no battery. Your preferred airline should be able to tell you what the maximum size battery (typically
ECVs use either SLA or Lithium-Ion) is that they will allow on board.
Built in to that extra time is to allow for working with the gate agents at your flight's gate (approach as soon as they show up to work your flight) to let them know that you are there, you will need to gate check your ECV and you will need to ride it down to the door of the plane. They will ask you if you need an aisle chair - the special wheelchair that is made to fit down the narrow aisle of the plane. If you can walk the few steps to your seat, then politely decline the aisle chair, and wait to be called for your flight!
I would also tag my ECV - just use a standard luggage tag, and a zip tie - even though you will have a gate check ticket, it never hurts to have your name on everything when you travel. Last bit of advice: take a picture of your (assembled) ECV without you on it - if you need to show a gate crew what it looks like, it will be invaluable. All the times I have flown, I have never had a problem, but I did see one other customer who failed to put her gate check on, and they sent her wheelchair up to luggage services because there was no gate check ticket, and no identification.
Finally, some airlines (the one my hubby works for does this) will ask you to take any *removable* batteries off the device, and carry them into the cabin with you. You will be given a special spot (typically one of the first overhead bins inside the door over First Class) where your battery(s) will be stored during flight. I have a special bag just to carry my batteries in (I carry the maximum I can LOL) and if you are asked to remove the battery(s) just be prepared to do so. Again - ask your preferred airline when you call.