Wheelchairs and mobility aids checked by Customers with disabilities are exempt from our standard checked baggage fees.

Your wheelchair or mobility aid must be inspected by a Southwest^® Customer Service Agent at the ticket or departure gate counter. We will need to determine that your device and its battery are acceptable for transportation by checking that the battery label is legible, is in English, and shows no signs of defect, damage, or leaking.

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids will be securely stowed in the cargo compartment during your flight. We recommend that all removable parts of the wheelchair be stowed in the overhead bins or under a seat.

Due to the size of the aircraft cargo compartment doors (48 inches width x 35 inches height), some wheelchairs or mobility aids may not fit into the cargo compartment.. Devices will be transported in an upright position to prevent damage to the controls and wheels. Wheelchairs and devices exceeding 500 pounds will not be accepted for travel. Beginning September 25, 2025, 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.

We suggest you print and complete our Wheelchair / Mobility Aid Information Form if you're checking a wheelchair or mobility aid. Present the completed form to the Southwest Customer Service Agent at the check-in counter.

You can retrieve your device at the gate or baggage claim after landing. When checking your device, tell an Employee which option you prefer. If you choose to have your device brought to the jet bridge, identify yourself to a Southwest Flight Attendant and/or Station Employee in the gate area when you land.

You can tell us in advance if you're bringing a battery-powered wheelchair by managing your reservation online.

Lithium-ion batteries

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. An assistive device battery does not count toward your carryon or personal item allowance.

• The battery must be easily removeable without the use of tools.
• The battery terminals must be protected from short-circuiting.
• There is a single battery size limit of 300 watt-hours (Wh). If the device uses two batteries, each battery cannot exceed 160 Wh. 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.

The battery's size in watt-hours is typically displayed on the battery label. If not, you will need to find the number of volts and amp-hours (or milliamp-hours) listed on the label and calculate the watt-hours.

Non-spillable batteries

If the battery is securely attached to a wheelchair or mobility aid, protected from short circuiting, and the device can protect itself from unintentional activation, the battery may remain installed in the device. Non-spillable batteries not installed or securely attached to the device must be transported as a checked item. They must be packaged in strong, rigid packaging marked "Nonspillable," "Nonspillable Battery," or "Not Restricted," and the battery terminals must be protected from short circuiting.

You may bring one spare non-spillable battery. Spare non-spillable batteries must be transported as a checked item and packaged in the same manner as above.

Spillable wet cell batteries

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. The battery will be transported as a checked item, and you must provide instructions on battery removal. A spare spillable wet cell battery is not allowed.

Visit the FAA’s PackSafe for Passengers for additional information about batteries.