Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!sun-barr!olivea!uunet!wuarchive!sdd.hp.com!think.com!yale!bunker!wtm
From: spgreg@mars.lerc.nasa.gov (Greg Macrae)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: batteries and planes (try agian)
Message-ID: <15209@handicap.news>
Date: 25 Apr 91 15:55:17 GMT
References: <18954@bunker.isc-br.com>
Sender: wtm@bunker.isc-br.com
Reply-To: spgreg@mars.lerc.nasa.gov (Greg Macrae)
Organization: NASA Lewis Research Center
Lines: 29
Approved: wtm@hnews.fidonet.org

Index Number: 15209

In article <18954@bunker.isc-br.com>, Jack.Colley@p14.f9.n249.z1.fidonet.org (Jack Colley) writes...
>Index Number: 15131
>In your msg to Ronnie, dated <21 Mar 91 16:20>, it said:
> JM> I know you can take gell-cell batteries on the plane, but am not sure
> JM> about the acid ones.  I think each airline has a different rule, so
> JM> you could  call the airline you are planning to fly with and ask them.
> JM> Sorry I can't be any more help.
>avoid contravery and hold up at the air-port, I left my batteries
>at home and rented same on arrival. Jack Colley - Kingston,

Major passenger aircraft (basically anything larger than a Cesna
180) using United States airports are required to follow FAA
standards for handling wheelchairs.  The wheelchair and battery
will be transported with the traveller regardless of the type of
battery used.  The difference between gell cell and lead acid
batteries is that the wet cells (lead acid) must be removed from
the chair and transported in an approved container.  As Jack points
out, this can take more time and can be a hassle.  You can minimize
the delays by contacting the baggage handling supervisor for the
airline and airport you will use.  Once the people are familiar
with the proceedures, there is usually little difficulty.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the requisite experience.  The best
way to deal with this is to know your rights and responsibilities
and to know their responsibilities as well.

Good luck travelling.
Greg