You may check your wheelchair or mobility aid at the ticket counter or gate to have it stowed in the cargo compartment, but we always suggest you bring your device onboard if it can be stowed in the cabin safely. 

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, but if there are no requests to stow a wheelchair, other mobility aids and devices may be in the storage compartment. If the compartment is already occupied or the device can't fit, the device will be checked. 

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

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. 

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 tell us in advance if you're bringing a manual wheelchair by managing your reservation online.  

Status notifications for checked wheelchairs and scooters

When a wheelchair or scooter is checked, we will send notifications when the device is loaded onto the plane and when the device is unloaded. The notifications will be sent by text or email based on the contact information provided at the time the reservation was booked.