Taking Your Mobility Scooter or Power Wheelchair on a Spirit Airlines Flight

Traveling with a mobility scooter or power wheelchair requires careful planning to ensure a smooth and safe journey. If you're using a battery-powered wheelchair, mobility scooter, or other mobility aid, it's essential to take specific steps before heading to the airport. Proper preparation not only helps avoid delays but ensures that your device is handled safely throughout the travel process with Spirit Airlines.

One of the first things to consider when traveling with a mobility scooter or power wheelchair is the importance of arriving at the airport with ample time before your flight. Spirit Airlines recommends that you arrive at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure. This allows for enough time to check in your device, undergo the necessary security procedures, and resolve any issues that may arise with your mobility aid.

Airport staff will need time to inspect your device and ensure that it complies with safety regulations, especially when it comes to the battery. For this reason, arriving early can alleviate unnecessary stress and allow you to address any issues proactively.

When traveling with a battery-powered mobility scooter, one of the key considerations is how it will be loaded and secured for transport. Whenever possible, Spirit Airlines aim to load and secure your device in an upright position. This ensures that the device is stable during the flight, preventing any potential damage. In most cases, your mobility aid will not need to be disassembled, and the battery will remain attached to the device.

However, there are certain instances where the device may not be able to be loaded upright. In these cases, airport staff may request specific guidance on how to disassemble your device. To facilitate this process, it's recommended that you fill out the Guest Mobility Aid Information form. This form provides assembly and disassembly instructions, ensuring that staff know exactly how to handle your device. You should also include any other helpful details about your mobility aid and battery, such as its dimensions, weight, and the type of battery it uses.

One of the most crucial factors in traveling with a mobility scooter or power wheelchair is the type of battery it uses. Different types of batteries have varying safety protocols, and it's important to clearly identify your battery as either spillable, non-spillable, or lithium-ion. Having this information readily available helps ensure that your device is handled appropriately during transport.

• Spillable Batteries: These are typically wet-cell batteries, which contain a liquid electrolyte that can spill or leak if damaged. These batteries require special care during transport to prevent leakage. For safe transport, the battery must either be disconnected, and its terminals insulated, or removed and placed in a strong, leak-proof battery box. Additionally, the mobility aid itself must be loaded, secured, and unloaded in an upright position.

• Non-Spillable Batteries: These are dry-cell or gel-cell batteries, which do not leak when damaged. However, to ensure safety, they still need to be properly disconnected, and their terminals insulated. The battery should either be securely attached to the device or removed and placed in an approved battery box.

• Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are more commonly used in modern mobility devices because of their efficiency and lighter weight. However, these batteries are subject to strict regulations due to the risk of overheating and ignition. If you're traveling with a lithium-ion battery, the battery terminals must be protected from short circuits. If the device allows for the removal of the battery, it should be carried onboard separately in your carry-on luggage. These batteries must not exceed 300 watt-hours. For those who are unsure of their battery's watt-hour rating, it's best to contact the manufacturer directly.

It's essential to conduct a thorough inspection of your battery before heading to the airport. Any battery that shows signs of visible damage, such as cracks, leaks, or other defects, will not be accepted for transportation. This is especially important for those traveling with older devices or batteries that may have been in use for a long time. If you notice any damage, it's a good idea to replace the battery before your trip to avoid any complications at the airport.

A common concern for travelers with mobility aids or other medical devices is whether additional fees will apply. The good news is that assistive devices are typically free of charge on most airlines, including Spirit Airlines. These devices do not count toward your baggage allowance, provided the following conditions are met:

• The assistive device is packed separately from regular baggage.
• Spirit agents will confirm that the bag only contains assistive devices.
• If your assistive device is packed along with other items, you may be charged for the additional baggage.

Additionally, it’s often recommended that passengers bring their mobility device onboard rather than gate-checking it, as this ensures better handling and reduces the risk of damage. However, if your device does not fit in the overhead compartment, it will be gate-checked at no extra charge.

For safe stowage, assistive devices must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 39 x 26 x 11 inches (99 x 116 x 63 cm). Larger devices can still be checked in at no additional charge.

For those traveling with smaller mobility aids, such as foldable walkers, knee scooters, canes, or crutches, these devices are typically allowed onboard, provided they meet the size restrictions of 39 x 26 x 11 inches. If your device does not fit in the overhead compartment, it can be checked at the gate or ticket counter without incurring additional fees.

Passengers traveling with folding manual wheelchairs can also bring them on board, but it's important to note that this is done on a first-come-first-served basis. If you would like to bring your folding wheelchair onboard, it's recommended that you notify the gate agent in advance to ensure that space is available. On the other hand, battery-powered wheelchairs must be checked in and cannot be stored in the cabin.

You can check your mobility device at either the ticket counter or the gate. For detachable components like cushions, side guards, or footrests, it’s a good idea to either carry them with you onboard or have them stored in the cargo bin alongside your device. If you're planning to gate-check your device, simply inform the gate agent at the departure gate. The airline will arrange to return it to you at the gate once you’ve landed, or during a connecting flight, if applicable.

It’s helpful to provide written instructions regarding the proper handling of your mobility aid. This can be done by filling out the Mobility Aid Information form or creating your own set of instructions. Attach these instructions to your device to ensure that airline staff can handle your aid with care. Additionally, keep a copy of the instructions for yourself as a reference during your travels.

If you're planning to travel with a mobility device, it's highly recommended that you notify the airline as soon as possible, ideally when booking your flight. If you've already booked your ticket, you can add the information regarding your mobility aid by visiting the "My Trips" section on the airline's website. You can also contact customer service through live chat or by calling the airline’s customer service hotline.

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In some cases, travelers may need to carry spare batteries for their devices. Spirit Airlines allows passengers to carry one spare lithium-ion battery up to 300 watt-hours, or two spare batteries, each not exceeding 160 watt-hours. It's essential to pack spare batteries in non-conductive materials, such as plastic bags, to protect them from damage or short circuits. Always ensure that the battery terminals are covered with non-conductive caps or tape to prevent accidental activation.

It’s also important to note that certain batteries, such as spillable wet-cell batteries, are not accepted by Spirit Airlines. If your mobility aid uses a wet-cell battery, it must either be disconnected and insulated or placed in an approved, leak-proof battery box for transport. Non-spillable batteries, such as dry-cell or gel-cell batteries, have slightly fewer restrictions but still require proper insulation and handling.

Additionally, there are no electrical plugs available on aircraft for charging devices during the flight, so ensure that you have enough battery life to last until you reach your destination or have access to charging facilities.

Traveling with assistive devices and medical equipment requires compliance with both TSA and airline regulations. The TSA has specific guidelines for traveling with medical equipment and medications, and it's important to review these guidelines before your trip. Some of the key considerations include ensuring that batteries are packed in your carry-on luggage and that all spare batteries are protected from physical damage and short circuits.

For more information about TSA guidelines and safety tips for traveling with medications and medical equipment, passengers are encouraged to visit the TSA Special Procedures page on the TSA website.

Traveling with battery-powered mobility aids or medical devices requires careful preparation and understanding of airline and safety regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. By arriving early at the airport, properly securing your device, and clearly identifying the type of battery used, you can avoid delays and potential issues during travel. It's crucial to inspect your battery for damage, carry spare batteries with proper safety measures, and notify the airline in advance about your mobility aid. Additionally, understanding the specific guidelines for different battery types—whether spillable, non-spillable, or lithium-ion—will help ensure compliance with safety standards. By following these steps and maintaining clear communication with both airline staff and TSA personnel, travelers can minimize stress and travel with confidence, knowing that their devices will be handled safely and appropriately.