Airline Travel with a Mobility Scooter

TravelScoot airline guide

Flying with a mobility scooter

From check-in to landing, a little preparation makes air travel much easier.

This guide explains how to travel with your TravelScoot, protect its removable lithium-ion battery, and reduce the chance of damage or confusion at the airport.

Traveler riding a TravelScoot while carrying luggage

Before leaving home

Prepare before you fly

Airline procedures vary, especially on international itineraries. Confirm the requirements for every carrier on your trip.

Contact the airlineTell the carrier you will travel with a folding mobility scooter and removable lithium-ion battery.

Bring documentsCarry the battery specification and UN38.3 documentation where airline personnel can easily review it.

Allow extra timeArrive early enough to explain the scooter and battery without feeling rushed.

Record its conditionTake clear photos or a short video immediately before handing the scooter to airline personnel.

Traveler carrying luggage while riding a TravelScoot

Arrival at the airport

Check in while seated

Ride the TravelScoot to the counter and remain seated during check-in so your mobility needs are immediately clear.
Keep the scooter fully assembled and unfolded.
Do not place the scooter in its storage duffel. The duffel is intended for storage, not airline handling.
Keep all batteries visible and out of checked luggage.

At the gate

Stay where the gate agent can see you

Passengers with disabilities generally receive preboarding. Staying near the gate agent gives you time to explain how the TravelScoot should be handled before boarding begins.

Before handing it over Lower the handlebars, remove the battery, and keep the yoke installed on the frame. Leave the scooter assembled so airline personnel can roll it rather than carrying loose pieces.

The most important step

Carry the removable battery onboard

TravelScoot lithium-ion batteries are designed to be removed by the user. Protect each removed or spare battery from damage and short circuit, and carry it in the passenger cabin—not in checked baggage.

Battery limits

A removable mobility-aid battery may be up to 300 Wh. A traveler may generally carry one spare battery up to 300 Wh or two spares up to 160 Wh each. The operating airline must approve carriage, and an airline may impose additional restrictions.

Protect the battery

Use a protective battery bag or pouch and make sure the connector cannot contact metal objects.

View the TravelScoot battery bag

Bring documentation

Keep the battery label and supporting paperwork accessible throughout your trip.

Open battery documentation

Important: Regulations and airline policies can change. Always confirm your battery and mobility-device arrangements directly with every operating airline before departure.

See the process

Preparing the TravelScoot for boarding

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After landing

Wait for its return

Remain on the aircraft until your TravelScoot is returned at the door or the airline provides wheelchair assistance to baggage claim. If it does not arrive, notify a flight attendant immediately.

Before leaving the airport

Inspect for damage

Compare the scooter with your preflight photos or video. Report damage to the airline before leaving the airport and keep copies of the claim paperwork.

An alternative for added protection

Pack the scooter in a suitcase

Packing the frame and components in a suitable hard-sided suitcase takes more effort, but it can provide additional protection during baggage handling. The battery must still be removed, protected, and carried in the cabin according to the airline’s instructions.

Check your carrier