Battery-powered wheelchairs/mobility aids
Southwest accepts battery-powered mobility aids used by a Customer with a disability. The mobility aid must have a physical means of power disconnection to prevent unintentional activation. Examples of power disconnection include:
- Key turned to off position and removed
- Securing the device “on/off” switch to the “off” position
- Quick disconnection of the joystick on a wheelchair
- Removing the battery and isolating the terminals
Southwest must be able to access the battery to determine that it is acceptable for transportation. The battery label must be legible and in English. The battery must not show signs of any defects or damage. If the device does not have an effective means of preventing unintentional activation, the battery must be disconnected and the terminals protected from short circuit. In these cases, we recommend the Customer provide disconnection instructions on the Wheelchair/Mobility Aid Information form so that our Agents can easily dissemble/reassemble as needed.
Southwest does not accept the following items as mobility aids:
- Hoverboards and self-balancing devices
- Skateboards
- Riding suitcases
- Inline scooters
- E-bikes
- Any mobility aid not for use by Customer with disability
- Batteries labeled in language other than English
- Any device unable to be disconnected from power source or excluded by HAZMAT requirements (in accordance with 14 CFR 382.125(b))
We may ask that a Customer relinquish a battery-powered wheelchair/mobility aid up to an hour in advance of departure. In that case, the Customer will be transferred to an airport wheelchair until boarding begins (if requested). Battery-powered wheelchairs/mobility aids will be securely stowed in the cargo compartment of the aircraft. Southwest recommends that all removable parts of the wheelchair be stowed in the overhead bins.
We recommend that Customers print our Wheelchair/Mobility Aid Information Form when traveling with a battery-powered device. Customers should present a copy to our Employees when checking the device or secure a copy on the device. The Wheelchair/Mobility Aid Information Form is not required, but completing the form will serve as a useful guide to the Employees who will be handling the device.
The forward cargo bin door on our aircraft measures 35 by 48 inches.
The aft cargo bin door on our aircraft measures 33 by 48 inches.
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries
If a mobility aid is powered by a lithium-ion battery, the device must be transported as checked baggage. When the Li-ion battery is securely attached and protected from short-circuit by being fully enclosed in the device’s battery housing, the battery may remain installed in the device and there is no limit to the battery size.
If the battery is not securely attached, it must be removed and transported separately as carryon baggage. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuit. There is a single battery size limit of 300 watt-hours (Wh). If the device utilizes two batteries, each battery cannot exceed 160 Wh. A maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spares not exceeding 160 Wh each may be carried onboard.
The battery’s size in watt-hours must be displayed on the battery, or the battery should be labeled with its voltage and amp-hour (or milliamp-hour) ratings to allow for size calculation (see formula below) if needed. Any spare batteries must be transported as carryon baggage with the battery terminals protected to prevent short circuit.
Some Li-ion batteries do not display the watt-hour rating on the battery label. The following formulas may be used to determine the watt-hours rating for a Lithium-ion battery:
If the battery lists the Amp-hour rating, use this formula:
Volts (V) x Amp-hours (Ah) = Watt-hours (Wh)
Example for a single battery:
10 volts multiplied by 24 Amp-hours = 240 watt-hours
The 240 watt-hours are below the 300 watt-hour limit for a single battery, so the battery would be allowed.
If the battery lists the Milliamp-hour rating, use this formula instead:
Volts (V) x Milliamp-hours (mAh) ÷ 1,000 = Watt-hours (Wh)
Advance notice of disability
Customers with disabilities are not required to provide advance notice of the need for assistance; however, doing so helps us better prepare for the number of Customers who will need our help.
We give Customers the opportunity to proactively notify Southwest Airlines of any specific disability-related needs during and after booking.
When booking a new reservation, Customers may use the “Special Assistance” link on the Passenger & Payment Info page to indicate that he/she requires assistance. When booking online, Customers may notice that there is a link (identified with an italicized "i") that directs the user to the details of our policies for assisting Passengers with disabilities. After the Customer has selected his/her option(s), the Customer should scroll down and complete the booking process.
If a reservation has already been created, simply click on the “FLIGHT | HOTEL | CAR | VACATIONS” link located on the top of our home page. Then, select “Manage Reservations” from the “Flight” column, input the required information, and select “Search.” From that page, click on the "Special Assistance" link under the Passenger name. Once a Customer has added his/her option(s), the Customer should click “Update Information” and the information will be saved to the Customer’s reservation.
Customers may also advise us of any disability-related travel needs at the time of booking by telephone or, if a reservation has already been made, by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) prior to travel.
We recommend that Customers arrive at the airport no later than the recommended airport arrival time. If traveling with a power wheelchair, in the event that we need to prepare the wheelchair for stowage, we may ask that Customers relinquish his/her power wheelchair up to an hour in advance of departure. In this case, the Customer will be transferred to an airport wheelchair until boarding begins.
If traveling in a group of 10 or more Customers who use wheelchairs, please advise us at least 24 hours in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) so that we can ensure adequate staffing and room in the cargo compartment of the aircraft for the wheelchairs.
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