Travel Scoot. Love it, but...

We love the Travelscoot. Compact, lightweight... But we were not allowed to bring it aboard the Air Tahiti plane to and from Los Angeles. It had to do with the strength of the battery. Anybody else have issues with the airlines?

We love the Travelscoot. Compact, lightweight... But we were not allowed to bring it aboard the Air Tahiti plane to and from Los Angeles. It had to do with the strength of the battery. Anybody else have issues with the airlines?

Yes it has been reported on this forum that there has been issues with foreign airlines regarding probiting transport of Ion-Lithium Battaries used for mobility scooters and or powered wheelchairs. Therefore making the assumption you purchased the Ion-Lithium Battery and not the SLA (sealed lead-acid ) battery for your Travelscoot... is that a correct assumption ?

Though airlines cannot prohibit a passenger from having a mobilty scooter stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft, airline policies regarding the transport and storage as well as the an handling of Ion-Lithium Batteries can/ do vary despite all inmternational regulations. The variation is often attributed to lack of knowledge of the airline personal regarding it's policy . Additionally some airlines policies can and do deviate from what what is considered international standards with regards to the transport of Ion-Lithium batteries for mobility scooters and or powered wheelchairs.

Therefore it's important that anyone traveling with an Ion-Litium Battery for use in a mobilty scooter or battery operated wheelchair fully research all airline's policies they plan to fly in advance of air travel as well as contact each airline to inform in advance that you will be boarding the aircarft with a moblitiy scooter specifically disclosing the "Wh" of the Ion-Lithium Battery in an attempt to avoid the issues you experienced with AIr Tahiti. . You should print out the airlines policy from its website as well as get a printable email confirmation from whomever you spoke to directly if the battery that may have confirmed the battery was approved and include such paperwork with your travel documents. In some cases individuals have opted to purchase a SLA battery for foreign travel if the scooter manufacturer offers such as option (which Travelscoot does) to avoid such issues.

FYI - the following infromation was copied directly from AIr-Tahiti's website

• 
  
  • Moreover, if a request for the cases here above mentioned in paragraphs (a) is made at time of check-in, the Carrier shall in no way be held liable if it cannot fulfil said request. In this case, the Carrier is entitled to refuse boarding to the Passenger, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1, sub-paragraph (j) of this Article
    

• If your wheelchair battery bears a manufacturer's label certifying that it is non-spillable, it may remain attached to the wheelchair during transport.
  
  
• If the battery is spillable, it must be removed from the wheelchair and carried as hold baggage, packed in a case specifically designed for this type of article
  
  

• Matches and gas lighters
  
  
• Oxygen cylinders, full or empty
  
  
• Flammable gases,
  e.g. full camping-gas canisters, gas cartridges for hair curlers, butane, propane, acetylene, etc.
  
  
• Empty camping stoves
  
  
• Fuel tanks that have contained fuel such as petrol, oil or diesel, or other containers that have contained a liquid fuel
  
  
• Torches for dancers
  
  
• Engines powered by liquid or gaseous fuel,
  e.g. strimmers, lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, boat engines, etc.
  
  
• Flammable solids,
  e.g. firelighters, self-heating drinks or meals, etc.
  
  
• Helium balloons
  
  
• Professional washing powder
  
  
• Objects containing a magnetised/ferromagnetic material (loudspeakers, etc.)
  
  
• Electrical weapons (e.g. Tasers) containing dangerous substances such as explosives, compressed gases,
  lithium batteries,
  etc.
  
  
• Oxidising substances and organic peroxides,
  e.g. oxygenated water, chemicals for swimming pools, bleaching powder, detergents, liquid or powder fertilisers, weedkillers, etc.
  
  
• Corrosive substances, e.g. batteries, battery fluids, scouring products, corrosive products, acids, chlorine, bleach, etc.
  
  
• Toxic and infectious substances,
  e.g. pesticides, insecticides, etc.
  
  
• Flammable liquids,
  e.g. methylated spirits, surgical spirit containing over 70% alcohol by volume (70° proof), some vegetable oils (e.g. monoi), essential oils, perfumed or aromatic oils and all substances containing alcohol (vanilla extract, perfume and/or concentrates) in quantities intended for professional use, paint, varnish, household products, etc.
  
  
• Attaché cases or bags fitted with an alarm or defence mechanism
  
  
• Heat/combustion engines, new or used
  
  
• Aerosol sprays and other devices containing an irritant or incapacitant, such as cayenne pepper
  
  
• Radioactive substancesSome items may be carried in your hand or hold baggage, under certain conditions.
  
  

We are “experts” in this area. We are currently in Asia without our smartscoot because Asian airlines do not permit lithium ion batteries over 160 watts and some not at all

You must call the airline in advance of buying a ticket to see if the battery will be accepted. Twice we found website information was incorrect. Then once you purchase your ticket you must call the airline and “register “ your scooter for the flight

FYI. Us based carriers are fine. So are British airways klm latam (lan).

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Yes it has been reported on this forum that there has been issues with foreign airlines regarding probiting transport of Ion-Lithium Battaries used for mobility scooters and or powered wheelchairs. Therefore making the assumption you purchased the Ion-Lithium Battery and not the SLA (sealed lead-acid ) battery for your Travelscoot... is that a correct assumption ?

 

 

Though airlines cannot prohibit a passenger from having a mobilty scooter stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft, airline policies regarding the transport and storage as well as the an handling of Ion-Lithium Batteries can/ do vary despite all inmternational regulations. The variation is often attributed to lack of knowledge of the airline personal regarding it's policy . Additionally some airlines policies can and do deviate from what what is considered international standards with regards to the transport of Ion-Lithium batteries for mobility scooters and or powered wheelchairs.

 

 

Therefore it's important that anyone traveling with an Ion-Litium Battery for use in a mobilty scooter or battery operated wheelchair fully research all airline's policies they plan to fly in advance of air travel as well as contact each airline to inform in advance that you will be boarding the aircarft with a moblitiy scooter specifically disclosing the "Wh" of the Ion-Lithium Battery in an attempt to avoid the issues you experienced with AIr Tahiti. . You should print out the airlines policy from its website as well as get a printable email confirmation from whomever you spoke to directly if the battery that may have confirmed the battery was approved and include such paperwork with your travel documents. In some cases individuals have opted to purchase a SLA battery for foreign travel if the scooter manufacturer offers such as option (which Travelscoot does) to avoid such issues.

 

 

 

FYI - the following infromation was copied directly from AIr-Tahiti's website

 

 

 

2. SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

 

a. Acceptance of Carriage of unaccompanied children, Passengers with Reduced Mobility, pregnant women, persons with illness or other people requiring assistance, is subject to prior arrangements with Carrier. Passengers with Reduced Mobility who have advised Carrier of their disability and of any special requirement they may have at the time of ticketing, and have been accepted by Carrier, shall not subsequently be refused Carriage on the basis of such disability or special requirements.

 

b. If a Passenger has a medical background, it is recommended that the Passenger consults a doctor before taking a Flight, and takes all necessary precautions.

The specific conditions referred to in paragraph 2a above are not part of the General Contrat of Carriage and must be considered as being Ancillary Services, as defined by Article XII below.

 

• 
   
  
• 
   
  
  • 
     
    
  • Moreover, if a request for the cases here above mentioned in paragraphs (a) is made at time of check-in, the Carrier shall in no way be held liable if it cannot fulfil said request. In this case, the Carrier is entitled to refuse boarding to the Passenger, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1, sub-paragraph (j) of this Article
     
    

   

 

Restricted items

 

Some items may be carried in your hand or hold baggage, under certain conditions.

 

Select an item from the drop-down list below to find out the conditions of acceptance on board:

 

Make your choiceSharp or pointed objectsBlunt instrumentsToilet articles, perfumes and non-radioactive medicinesElectronic devicesHeat-producing articlesAlcoholic beveragesLightersCompressed-air cylindersFirearms and ammunition (including toys and replicas)SyringesBattery-powered electric wheelchairsBreathing devices (mechanical ventilator/oxygen concentrator)PacemakersCarbon dioxide for mechanical prosthesisHair curlersMercury thermometers or barometersSolid carbon dioxide (dry ice)Carbon dioxide for life jacketsRescue devicesAerosols for sporting and home useIsotherm packaging containing liquid nitrogenWork toolsEnergy-saving light bulbsRemote-controlled toys/models

 

If you are travelling with a battery-powered electric wheelchair, please notify us at the booking stage. For the purposes of ensuring flight safety, your wheelchair batteries will be disconnected by our attendants and the terminals insulated with adhesive tape to prevent short-circuit, before it is placed in the hold. In addition:

 

• 
  
   
  
  
• If your wheelchair battery bears a manufacturer's label certifying that it is non-spillable, it may remain attached to the wheelchair during transport.
  
  
   
  
  
• If the battery is spillable, it must be removed from the wheelchair and carried as hold baggage, packed in a case specifically designed for this type of article
  
  
   
  
  

FORBIDEN ITEMS

The following items are strictly forbidden to be carried in your hand or hold baggage, but may be

checked in as cargo

, under certain conditions.

For operational reasons, dangerous goods cannot be accepted as cargo on flights to/from Rarotonga.

 

• 
  
   
  
  
• Matches and gas lighters
  
  
   
  
  
• Oxygen cylinders, full or empty
  
  
   
  
  
• Flammable gases,
  e.g. full camping-gas canisters, gas cartridges for hair curlers, butane, propane, acetylene, etc.
  
  
   
  
  
• Empty camping stoves
  
  
   
  
  
• Fuel tanks that have contained fuel such as petrol, oil or diesel, or other containers that have contained a liquid fuel
  
  
   
  
  
• Torches for dancers
  
  
   
  
  
• Engines powered by liquid or gaseous fuel,
  e.g. strimmers, lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, boat engines, etc.
  
  
   
  
  
• Flammable solids,
  e.g. firelighters, self-heating drinks or meals, etc.
  
  
   
  
  
• Helium balloons
  
  
   
  
  
• Professional washing powder
  
  
   
  
  
• Objects containing a magnetised/ferromagnetic material (loudspeakers, etc.)
  
  
   
  
  
• Electrical weapons (e.g. Tasers) containing dangerous substances such as explosives, compressed gases,
  lithium batteries,
  etc.
  
  
   
  
  
• Oxidising substances and organic peroxides,
  e.g. oxygenated water, chemicals for swimming pools, bleaching powder, detergents, liquid or powder fertilisers, weedkillers, etc.
  
  
   
  
  
• Corrosive substances, e.g. batteries, battery fluids, scouring products, corrosive products, acids, chlorine, bleach, etc.
  
  
   
  
  
• Toxic and infectious substances,
  e.g. pesticides, insecticides, etc.
  
  
   
  
  
• Flammable liquids,
  e.g. methylated spirits, surgical spirit containing over 70% alcohol by volume (70° proof), some vegetable oils (e.g. monoi), essential oils, perfumed or aromatic oils and all substances containing alcohol (vanilla extract, perfume and/or concentrates) in quantities intended for professional use, paint, varnish, household products, etc.
  
  
   
  
  
• Attaché cases or bags fitted with an alarm or defence mechanism
  
  
   
  
  
• Heat/combustion engines, new or used
  
  
   
  
  
• Aerosol sprays and other devices containing an irritant or incapacitant, such as cayenne pepper
  
  
   
  
  
• Radioactive substancesSome items may be carried in your hand or hold baggage, under certain conditions.
  
  
   
  
  

I must emphasize that twice we found that website info was not accurate. Not updated. Policy changed to disallow but website said permitted

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Yes it has been reported on this forum that there has been issues with foreign airlines regarding probiting transport of Ion-Lithium Battaries used for mobility scooters and or powered wheelchairs. Therefore making the assumption you purchased the Ion-Lithium Battery and not the SLA (sealed lead-acid ) battery for your Travelscoot... is that a correct assumption ?

Though airlines cannot prohibit a passenger from having a mobilty scooter stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft, airline policies regarding the transport and storage as well as the an handling of Ion-Lithium Batteries can/ do vary despite all inmternational regulations. The variation is often attributed to lack of knowledge of the airline personal regarding it's policy . Additionally some airlines policies can and do deviate from what what is considered international standards with regards to the transport of Ion-Lithium batteries for mobility scooters and or powered wheelchairs.

Therefore it's important that anyone traveling with an Ion-Litium Battery for use in a mobilty scooter or battery operated wheelchair fully research all airline's policies they plan to fly in advance of air travel as well as contact each airline to inform in advance that you will be boarding the aircarft with a moblitiy scooter specifically disclosing the "Wh" of the Ion-Lithium Battery in an attempt to avoid the issues you experienced with AIr Tahiti. . You should print out the airlines policy from its website as well as get a printable email confirmation from whomever you spoke to directly if the battery that may have confirmed the battery was approved and include such paperwork with your travel documents. In some cases individuals have opted to purchase a SLA battery for foreign travel if the scooter manufacturer offers such as option (which Travelscoot does) to avoid such issues.

 

FYI - the following infromation was copied directly from AIr-Tahiti's website

 

2. SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

a. Acceptance of Carriage of unaccompanied children, Passengers with Reduced Mobility, pregnant women, persons with illness or other people requiring assistance, is subject to prior arrangements with Carrier. Passengers with Reduced Mobility who have advised Carrier of their disability and of any special requirement they may have at the time of ticketing, and have been accepted by Carrier, shall not subsequently be refused Carriage on the basis of such disability or special requirements.

b. If a Passenger has a medical background, it is recommended that the Passenger consults a doctor before taking a Flight, and takes all necessary precautions.

The specific conditions referred to in paragraph 2a above are not part of the General Contrat of Carriage and must be considered as being Ancillary Services, as defined by Article XII below.

• 
  
  • Moreover, if a request for the cases here above mentioned in paragraphs (a) is made at time of check-in, the Carrier shall in no way be held liable if it cannot fulfil said request. In this case, the Carrier is entitled to refuse boarding to the Passenger, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1, sub-paragraph (j) of this Article
    

Restricted items

Some items may be carried in your hand or hold baggage, under certain conditions.

Select an item from the drop-down list below to find out the conditions of acceptance on board:

Make your choiceSharp or pointed objectsBlunt instrumentsToilet articles, perfumes and non-radioactive medicinesElectronic devicesHeat-producing articlesAlcoholic beveragesLightersCompressed-air cylindersFirearms and ammunition (including toys and replicas)SyringesBattery-powered electric wheelchairsBreathing devices (mechanical ventilator/oxygen concentrator)PacemakersCarbon dioxide for mechanical prosthesisHair curlersMercury thermometers or barometersSolid carbon dioxide (dry ice)Carbon dioxide for life jacketsRescue devicesAerosols for sporting and home useIsotherm packaging containing liquid nitrogenWork toolsEnergy-saving light bulbsRemote-controlled toys/models

If you are travelling with a battery-powered electric wheelchair, please notify us at the booking stage. For the purposes of ensuring flight safety, your wheelchair batteries will be disconnected by our attendants and the terminals insulated with adhesive tape to prevent short-circuit, before it is placed in the hold. In addition:

• If your wheelchair battery bears a manufacturer's label certifying that it is non-spillable, it may remain attached to the wheelchair during transport.
  
  
• If the battery is spillable, it must be removed from the wheelchair and carried as hold baggage, packed in a case specifically designed for this type of article
  
  

FORBIDEN ITEMS

The following items are strictly forbidden to be carried in your hand or hold baggage, but may be

checked in as cargo

, under certain conditions.

For operational reasons, dangerous goods cannot be accepted as cargo on flights to/from Rarotonga.

• Matches and gas lighters
  
  
• Oxygen cylinders, full or empty
  
  
• Flammable gases,
  e.g. full camping-gas canisters, gas cartridges for hair curlers, butane, propane, acetylene, etc.
  
  
• Empty camping stoves
  
  
• Fuel tanks that have contained fuel such as petrol, oil or diesel, or other containers that have contained a liquid fuel
  
  
• Torches for dancers
  
  
• Engines powered by liquid or gaseous fuel,
  e.g. strimmers, lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, boat engines, etc.
  
  
• Flammable solids,
  e.g. firelighters, self-heating drinks or meals, etc.
  
  
• Helium balloons
  
  
• Professional washing powder
  
  
• Objects containing a magnetised/ferromagnetic material (loudspeakers, etc.)
  
  
• Electrical weapons (e.g. Tasers) containing dangerous substances such as explosives, compressed gases,
  lithium batteries,
  etc.
  
  
• Oxidising substances and organic peroxides,
  e.g. oxygenated water, chemicals for swimming pools, bleaching powder, detergents, liquid or powder fertilisers, weedkillers, etc.
  
  
• Corrosive substances, e.g. batteries, battery fluids, scouring products, corrosive products, acids, chlorine, bleach, etc.
  
  
• Toxic and infectious substances,
  e.g. pesticides, insecticides, etc.
  
  
• Flammable liquids,
  e.g. methylated spirits, surgical spirit containing over 70% alcohol by volume (70° proof), some vegetable oils (e.g. monoi), essential oils, perfumed or aromatic oils and all substances containing alcohol (vanilla extract, perfume and/or concentrates) in quantities intended for professional use, paint, varnish, household products, etc.
  
  
• Attaché cases or bags fitted with an alarm or defence mechanism
  
  
• Heat/combustion engines, new or used
  
  
• Aerosol sprays and other devices containing an irritant or incapacitant, such as cayenne pepper
  
  
• Radioactive substancesSome items may be carried in your hand or hold baggage, under certain conditions.
  
  

The above regulations ban lithium batteries for 'electrical weapons', nothing to do with scooter batteries.

 

These are 'lithium metal' batteries not at all similar to ' lithium ion rechargeable batteries' we use on our TS's.

 

I appeared at the UN International Civil Aviation Organization to get the rules changed in 2011.

I would be happy to work with anyone who has a problem with an airline including calling the airline on your behalf to straighten them out.

 

I can speak directly to there Dangerous Goods department to sort things out. I have filed a formal complaint against one Canadian Airline (WestJet) that resulted in them changing their policies. PM me if you would like help. I have been flying using a TS lithium ion battery since 2009 and have never been refused a flight.

 

Peter

You will not be able to straighten out the airlines in Asia.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thank you Peter. That's very generous of you. I'll definitely refer back to this posting before flights. Looks like I could have brought the Travelscoot on our Air Tahiti Nui flight.

On a recent Alaska Airline flight, there was little issue going one way. But coming back, they were picky and wrote down a lot of information taken from the scooter/battery. No problem bringing it though. Guess it's important to call the airline; have them email their policies, and read them, reread and reared some more.