Southwest is pleased to assist with the care of your manual or battery-powered wheelchair, or mobility aid, during your travel. Please note that due to the dimensions of the aircraft cargo compartment doors (48 inches in width and 35 inches in height), some wheelchairs or mobility aids may not fit or may need to be loaded on their side. Wheelchairs and mobility devices exceeding 500 pounds cannot be accommodated. For further details, please refer to our pages on manual wheelchairs / mobility aids and battery-powered devices.
Manual wheelchairs and Mobility Aids
You may check your wheelchair or mobility aid at the ticket counter or gate for storage in the cargo compartment; however, Southwest recommends bringing your device onboard if it can be safely stowed in the cabin.
Each aircraft is equipped with a designated wheelchair storage compartment that can accommodate at least one standard-size, adult collapsible wheelchair on a first-come, first-served basis. Wheelchairs are given priority for this storage, but if no wheelchairs are being stowed, other mobility aids may be placed in the compartment. If the compartment is full or the device cannot be accommodated, it will be checked.
You can retrieve your device either at the gate or baggage claim upon arrival. When checking your device, please inform an employee of your preference. If you would like your device delivered to the jet bridge, please identify yourself to a flight attendant or station employee at the gate when you land.
For those checking a wheelchair or mobility aid, Southwest recommends completing the Wheelchair/Mobility Aid Information Form in advance. Please present the completed form to the customer service agent at the check-in counter.
Security Screening Process
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) oversees the security screening procedures. Prior to screening, kindly inform the TSA officer if you require assistance walking or standing.
Mobility aids such as walkers, crutches, canes, or other devices must undergo X-ray screening or may be subject to hand inspection if they cannot fit through the X-ray machine. Wheelchairs and scooters, including seat cushions and non-removable pouches or fanny packs, are also required to be screened.
The TSA offers a program called TSA Cares, which provides additional support for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances during the screening process. For more information, please visit the TSA website.
Advance Notice of Disability Assistance
While customers with disabilities are not required to provide advance notice, doing so allows Southwest to better prepare for assistance needs. Customers have the option to proactively notify Southwest Airlines of any specific disability-related requirements during or after booking.
When making a reservation, customers may use the “Special Assistance” link on the Passenger & Payment Info page to indicate their need for assistance. Additionally, an information link (marked with an italicized "i") provides access to details about the Southwest disability assistance policies. After selecting the required options, customers can complete their booking.
For existing reservations, customers can click on the “FLIGHT | HOTEL | CAR | VACATIONS” link on our homepage, select “Manage Reservations,” and then click on the “Special Assistance” link under their name to update their information.
Customers may also notify Southwest Airlines of disability-related needs by phone at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792), either at the time of booking or after reservation.
Southwest recommends arriving at the airport in accordance with the suggested arrival times. If traveling with a power wheelchair, please be aware that we may request the device be prepared for stowage up to an hour before departure. In such cases, customers will be transferred to an airport wheelchair until boarding begins.
For groups of 10 or more customers requiring wheelchairs, Southwest Airlines recommend notifying them at least 24 hours in advance by calling them at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to ensure adequate staffing and sufficient space in the aircraft’s cargo compartment.
Battery-Powered Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids
Southwest Airlines accepts battery-powered mobility aids (mobility scooters) used by customers with disabilities. To ensure safe transportation, the mobility aid must include a mechanism for power disconnection to prevent unintentional activation. Acceptable methods of power disconnection include:
- Turning the key to the "off" position and removing it.
- Securing the device’s "on/off" switch to the "off" position.
- Quickly disconnecting the joystick on a wheelchair.
- Removing the battery and isolating the terminals.
Southwest Airlines must have access to the battery to confirm its suitability for transportation. The battery label should be clearly legible and in English. The battery must not show any signs of defects or damage. If the mobility aid does not have an effective means of preventing unintentional activation, the battery must be disconnected, and the terminals must be protected from short circuits. In such cases, customers are encouraged to provide disconnection instructions on the Wheelchair/Mobility Aid Information Form to assist our agents with disassembly and reassembly.
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 intended for use by a customer with a disability
- Batteries labeled in a language other than English
- Devices that cannot be disconnected from the power source or those excluded under HAZMAT regulations (in accordance with 14 CFR 382.125(b)).
Southwest may request that a customer relinquish their battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid up to one hour before departure. In this instance, the customer will be provided with an airport wheelchair until boarding begins (if requested). Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids will be securely stored in the aircraft's cargo compartment. We recommend that all removable parts of the wheelchair be placed in the overhead bins.
Customers are encouraged to print the Wheelchair/Mobility Aid Information Form when traveling with a battery-powered device. A copy should be presented to their employees when checking the device or attached to the device itself. While the form is not mandatory, it serves as a helpful reference for employees handling the device. The forward cargo bin door measures 35 by 48 inches, and the aft cargo bin door measures 33 by 48 inches.
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries
If a mobility aid is powered by a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, it must be transported as checked baggage. When the Li-ion battery is securely attached and fully enclosed within the device’s battery housing to prevent short circuits, it may remain installed in the device without any size restrictions.
If the battery is not securely attached, it must be removed and transported separately as carry-on baggage, with the terminals protected from short circuits. The battery size limit is 300 watt-hours (Wh) for a single battery. If the device uses two batteries, each must not exceed 160 Wh. A maximum of one spare battery up to 300 Wh, or two spares not exceeding 160 Wh each, may be carried on board.
The battery’s watt-hour rating must be displayed on the battery label, or it should be labeled with voltage and amp-hour (or milliamp-hour) ratings for size calculation (see formula below). Spare batteries must be carried as carry-on baggage, with the terminals protected to prevent short circuits.
If the watt-hour rating is not available on the label, use the following formulas to calculate the rating:
-
If the battery lists the Amp-hour (Ah) rating:
Volts (V) x Amp-hours (Ah) = Watt-hours (Wh)
Example: For a battery with 10 volts and 24 Ah:
10 x 24 = 240 Wh
Since 240 Wh is below the 300 Wh limit, the battery is acceptable. -
If the battery lists the Milliamp-hour (mAh) rating:
Volts (V) x Milliamp-hours (mAh) ÷ 1,000 = Watt-hours (Wh)
In Summary
Southwest Airlines is pleased to assist with the transportation of your battery-powered wheelchair or mobility scooter during your travels, provided the battery includes a physical means of power disconnection to prevent inadvertent activation of the device. Prior to departure, your wheelchair or mobility aid must undergo inspection by a Customer Service Agent at the ticket or departure gate counter. The inspection will ensure that the device and its battery comply with transportation requirements. This includes verifying that the battery label is legible, displayed in English, and free of any signs of damage, defect, or leakage.
Southwest Airlines will also check that the device is equipped with a mechanism to prevent accidental activation, either through mechanical means or proper battery disconnection. The battery must be protected from short circuiting and securely attached to the device, or, if removable, packaged separately. Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids will be safely stored in the cargo compartment during your flight. Southwest recommends storing any removable parts of the wheelchair in the overhead bins or beneath the seat for safety and convenience. For a smooth process, Southwest Airlines encourages you to print and complete their Wheelchair/Mobility Aid Information Form if you plan to check in a wheelchair or mobility aid. Please present the completed form to the Customer Service Agent at check-in.
Upon arrival, you may retrieve your device either at the gate or baggage claim area, depending on your preference. When checking in your device, please inform the Employee of your preferred retrieval location. If you wish for your device to be delivered to the jet bridge, kindly notify a Flight Attendant or Station Employee at the gate upon landing. You may also inform them in advance of your battery-powered wheelchair by managing your reservation online.
Does Southwest Airlines allow mobility scooters?
Yes, Southwest Airlines accommodates mobility scooters. They offer support for passengers with disabilities, including transporting mobility devices such as scooters, wheelchairs, and other assistive aids.
What kind of mobility scooter is allowed on a Southwest plane?
What types of mobility scooters are allowed on planes? You can travel with a mobility scooter that has a 24v 11.5ah battery. This typically includes the following types: folding mobility scooters, which can be automatically folded or disassembled into smaller, more compact pieces for easy storage.
What information should I provide to Southwest in advance when planning to bring my mobility scooter or power wheelchair on a trip?
Battery Type: The scooter must have a non-spillable battery, such as a dry cell or gel battery. If it uses a different type, it may not be permitted.
Size and Weight: The scooter should comply with the airline's size and weight limits for checked luggage. If it exceeds the allowed dimensions, alternative arrangements may be required.
Notification: It’s advisable to notify Southwest Airlines ahead of time, preferably when booking, about traveling with a mobility scooter so they can make the necessary arrangements.
How can I arrange airport assistance through Southwest ahead of time?
Although customers with disabilities are not required to provide advance notice, doing so helps Southwest Airlines prepare for any assistance needs. Customers can inform the airline of specific disability-related requirements either during or after booking.
When booking a flight, customers can use the “Special Assistance” link on the Passenger & Payment Info page to indicate their need for assistance. An informational link (marked with an italicized "i") provides details about Southwest’s disability assistance policies. After selecting the necessary options, customers can finalize their reservation.
For existing bookings, customers can visit the “FLIGHT | HOTEL | CAR | VACATIONS” section on our homepage, select “Manage Reservations,” and then click the “Special Assistance” link under their name to update their information.
Customers can also notify Southwest Airlines of any disability-related needs by phone at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792), either at the time of booking or after their reservation is made.
Southwest recommends arriving at the airport according to the suggested times. If traveling with a power wheelchair, please note that we may request the device be prepared for stowing up to an hour before departure. In such cases, customers will be transferred to an airport wheelchair until it’s time to board.
For groups of 10 or more requiring wheelchairs, Southwest suggests notifying the airline at least 24 hours in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to ensure sufficient staffing and available space in the aircraft’s cargo compartment.