American Airlines Now Refuses Power Wheelchairs on Regional Jets

[kitty9]

Just be aware that if you use a power wheelchair that weighs more than 300lbs, American will not allow you to fly on their ERJ and CRJ aircraft.  So, you either have to switch to a smaller chair or only fly their larger jets.  That’s going to be difficult because many airports only have regional jets or they fly to popular destinations using only the small jets. 

[crazyank]

12 hours ago, kitty9 said:

Just be aware that if you use a power wheelchair that weighs more than 300lbs, American will not allow you to fly on their ERJ and CRJ aircraft.  So, you either have to switch to a smaller chair or only fly their larger jets.  That’s going to be difficult because many airports only have regional jets or they fly to popular destinations using only the small jets. 

and what is AA's reason for this?

[kokopelli-az]

Here is an article regarding this:

 

https://wheelchairtravel.org/american-airlines-policy-prohibits-power-wheelchairs-regional-jets/

[Covepointcruiser]

AA has checked with the manufacturer of these types of airplanes.   There is a load limit per square foot in the cargo area.    I am concerned that they have been flying against the manufacturers regulations before this.   I hope they are doing a good structural inspection of these jets to see if there are any cracks.   This is a pressurized jet so a structural failure could quickly turn deadly.   Can anything be done to decrease the weight of the heavy scooters?