Southwest Airlines

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids are carried, stowed securely in the cargo compartment and transported upright to protect the controls and wheels. The device must be inspected by a Southwest customer service agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. Same 500 lb / 34 in height / 45 in width-or-depth limits apply.

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"All lithium-ion powered mobility aids (wheelchair/scooters) must have the battery removed, and the battery must be transported separately as carryon baggage in the Passenger cabin" — and "the battery must be easily removeable without the use of tools", so a chair with a non-removable lithium battery cannot be carried.

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"There is a single battery size limit of 300 watt-hours (Wh). If the device uses two batteries, each battery cannot exceed 160 Wh." The removed battery does not count toward the carry-on or personal item allowance.

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"You can have one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spare batteries not exceeding 160 Wh each. All spare batteries must be transported in carryon baggage."

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

One spare lithium-ion battery up to 300 Wh, or two spares of up to 160 Wh each, all carried in the cabin. One spare non-spillable battery, carried as a checked item. No spare spillable wet cell battery is allowed.

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Lithium-ion: always — must be removed without tools and carried in the cabin. Spillable wet cell: removed and boxed by Southwest. Non-spillable: may stay installed if securely attached and protected.

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

May remain installed if securely attached to the device, protected from short circuiting, and the device can protect itself from unintentional activation. Otherwise it must be checked in strong rigid packaging marked "Nonspillable", "Nonspillable Battery" or "Not Restricted" with terminals protected. One spare non-spillable battery, also as a checked item.

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"If a wheelchair or mobility aid is powered by a spillable wet cell battery, the battery will be removed and placed in a protective battery box." It travels as a checked item and you must provide battery-removal instructions. A spare spillable wet cell battery is not allowed.

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Terminals must be protected from short circuiting for removed lithium and non-spillable batteries. Southwest's form notes the power source must be isolatable — key turned off and removed, power switch secured "Off", or quick disconnection of the controls.

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Wheelchair / Mobility Aid Information Form (PDF) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

A Southwest customer service agent inspects the device and battery at the ticket or gate counter to confirm the label is legible, in English and shows no defect, damage or leaking. Southwest suggests printing and completing its Wheelchair / Mobility Aid Information Form (brand, model, weight, battery type, removable parts) and presenting it at check-in.

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Wheelchair / Mobility Aid Information Form (PDF) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

From 25 September 2025, devices over 34 in (86.4 cm) high or over 45 in (114.3 cm) wide or deep — with parts removed/modified — are not accepted. Cargo compartment doors measure 48 in wide x 35 in high, so some devices still will not fit.

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Southwest Airlines Contract of Carriage (56th Revised, 07/16/2026) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"Wheelchairs and devices exceeding 500 pounds will not be accepted for travel" (226.8 kg).

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Southwest Airlines Contract of Carriage (56th Revised, 07/16/2026) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"You can retrieve your device at the gate or baggage claim after landing." State your preference when checking the device; for jet-bridge return, identify yourself to a flight attendant or station employee at the gate on arrival.

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"We are happy to take care of your manual or battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid during your travel." A manual chair may be checked at the ticket counter or gate, but Southwest suggests bringing it into the cabin if it can be stowed safely.

I am bringing my own wheelchair or mobility aid (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Manual wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"Each plane has a wheelchair storage compartment to stow at least one standard-size, adult, collapsible wheelchair on a first-come, first-served basis." Wheelchairs have priority over other mobility aids; if the compartment is occupied or the device will not fit, it is checked.

Manual wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"Wheelchairs and devices with a height that exceeds 34 inches or a width or depth that exceeds 45 inches with parts removed/modified will not be accepted for travel" — 34 in = 86.4 cm height, 45 in = 114.3 cm width or depth (effective 25 September 2025; also in the Contract of Carriage, and on Southwest's own form as "45" W x 34" H and 500 lbs"). Southwest separately notes that because the cargo compartment doors are 48 in wide x 35 in high, some devices may still not fit.

I am bringing my own wheelchair or mobility aid (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Southwest Airlines Contract of Carriage (56th Revised, 07/16/2026) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Wheelchair / Mobility Aid Information Form (PDF) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"Wheelchairs and devices exceeding 500 pounds will not be accepted for travel" (226.8 kg). The Contract of Carriage repeats the 500 lb assistive-device cap.

I am bringing my own wheelchair or mobility aid (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Southwest Airlines Contract of Carriage (56th Revised, 07/16/2026) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"You can retrieve your device at the gate or baggage claim after landing." Tell an employee which you prefer when checking the device; for jet-bridge return, identify yourself to a flight attendant or station employee in the gate area on landing.

Manual wheelchairs and mobility aids (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Southwest: "You can tell us in advance if you'll be bringing your own wheelchair by managing your reservation or calling us." At the airport, identify yourself and the type of assistance you require to a Southwest Employee when you arrive, at any connection points, and when you land. The Customer Service Plan lists 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) and TTY 1-800-533-1305 as the disability-information channels.

I am bringing my own wheelchair or mobility aid (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Southwest Airlines Customer Service Plan (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  I need another type of disability-related assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

"Wheelchairs and mobility aids checked by Customers with disabilities are exempt from our standard checked baggage fees." The Contract of Carriage adds that assistive devices are carried free of charge with no oversize or excess weight charges, and in the cabin in addition to the carry-on allowance.

I am bringing my own wheelchair or mobility aid (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Southwest Airlines Contract of Carriage (56th Revised, 07/16/2026) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Contract of Carriage: "Southwest's liability with respect to damage to or loss of mobility and other assistive devices shall not exceed the documented original purchase price of the assistive device pursuant to 14 CFR § 382.131", plus reasonable expenses caused by the loss, damage or delay. Wheelchairs are expressly excluded from the $4,700 general baggage limit. Southwest also offers a loaner wheelchair or scooter with customisations, and a choice of repair vendor.

What do I do if my wheelchair or mobility aid is delayed or damaged? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Southwest Airlines Contract of Carriage (56th Revised, 07/16/2026) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Southwest: "assistance to and from the lavatory (but not inside the lavatory) during the flight is available using an onboard wheelchair. Please inform a Flight Attendant if you need assistance." Separately, "a small wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle is available at every gate" for lift and transfer.

Can Southwest help me into my seat (lift and transfer)? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Lift and transfer happens at the gate: notify a Customer Service Agent before boarding; a gate aisle chair and a Passenger Transfer Kit (slide board, transfer sling) are used. "Flight Attendants do not provide lift/transfer assistance onboard", but they help you move through the cabin and to or from the lavatory using an onboard wheelchair (not inside it), brief you individually and stow mobility aids. No custodial care; a safety assistant is required where a mobility impairment prevents self-assisted evacuation.

I need another type of disability-related assistance (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  Can Southwest help me into my seat (lift and transfer)? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

A seat that accommodates a disability may be selected at booking; if not, Southwest "recommend[s] calling us after booking and no later than 24 hours before your flight's original scheduled departure". Movable aisle armrests: all rows on the 737-700, all rows except the front bulkhead on the 737-800 / MAX 8. Preboarding is available to customers who self-identify at the gate as needing extra time or assistance to board, stow accessibility equipment or be seated, plus one travel companion.

I need a specific seat to accommodate a disability (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  I need information about preboarding for Customers with disabilities (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29  What are the passenger seat specifications (seat width/pitch, etc.) on Southwest aircraft? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29