Question 1

How do I request wheelchair assistance?

Accepted Answer

Just ask a Southwest Employee when you arrive at the airport, at any connection points, and when you land at your destination. Visit our Airport and boarding assistance page for more information.

Question 2

How do I let Southwest® know I’ll be bringing my own wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

Here's how you can tell us in advance if you'll be bringing your own wheelchair:

Adding a wheelchair when booking:

On desktop: Go to the Special Assistance link on the "Passenger & Payment Info" screen.
On mobile: Go to the Special Assistance link on the "Passenger" screen.

Adding a wheelchair to an existing booking:

On desktop: Manage your reservation and select "Special Assistance" under the Passenger name.
On mobile: Manage your reservation and select the edit pencil icon next to the Passenger name. Then select "Special Assistance".

You can also let us know via telephone by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).

If you are traveling in a group of ten or more and will be bringing wheelchairs, please advise us in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) at least 24 hours before departure so that we can ensure adequate staffing and room in the cargo compartment of the aircraft for the wheelchairs.

Question 3

How do I get through security with my wheelchair or mobility aid?

Accepted Answer

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for the security screening process. Before screening, let the TSA officer know if you can or can't walk or stand unassisted. You can show the officer your TSA notification card or other medical paperwork to describe your disability.

Passenger screening

Screening technology: If you can stand with your arms above your head for seven seconds without support, you may be screened with advanced imaging technology or a metal detector. If you cannot or if you opt out, you will receive a pat-down.
Pat-down: Pat-downs are conducted by a TSA officer of the same gender. Screening may be conducted privately with a companion if the screening involves a sensitive area. You can always request a private screening.

Mobility aids screening

Walkers, crutches, canes, or other mobility aids must be X-rayed or hand-inspected by a TSA officer if they cannot fit through the X-ray.
Wheelchairs and scooters must be X-rayed, including seat cushions and non-removable pouches or fanny packs.

The TSA has a screening assistance program called TSA Cares that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. Visit the TSA website for more details.

Question 4

Where will my wheelchair or mobility aid be stowed during the flight?

Accepted Answer

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.

We suggest you print and complete this form if you're checking a wheelchair or mobility aid. Present the completed form to the Customer Service Agent at the ticket or gate counter.

Question 5

How do I get my wheelchair or mobility aid after landing?

Accepted Answer

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 Flight Attendant and/or Station Employee in the gate area when you land.

Question 6

What do I do if my wheelchair or mobility aid is delayed or damaged?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Lost or Damaged Baggage page for more information about how to submit a claim.

Question 7

Can I bring a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept battery-powered chairs and mobility aids if the battery has a physical means of power disconnection to prevent unintentional activation of the device. The battery must also be protected from short circuiting.

Question 8

Does my battery-powered device need to be inspected before boarding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we need to determine that your device and its battery are acceptable for transportation. We check the following:

The battery label is legible and in English.
The battery shows no signs of defect, damage, or leaking.
The device has a way to prevent unintentional activation, either mechanically or through the proper disconnection of the battery. The terminals must be protected from short circuiting.

The battery must be properly secured to the device, or it must be removed and packaged separately.

Question 9

Where will my battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid be stowed during the flight?

Accepted Answer

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids will be securely stowed in the cargo compartment. 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, some wheelchairs or mobility aids may not fit into the cargo compartment or may be required to be loaded on their side.

We suggest you print and complete this form if you're checking a wheelchair or mobility aid. Present the completed form to the Customer Service Agent at the check-in counter.

Question 10

Rules for spillable wet cell batteries.

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Rules for non-spillable batteries.

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Rules for lithium-ion batteries.

Accepted Answer

If a wheelchair or mobility aid is powered by a lithium-ion battery, the device must be transported as a checked item. When the lithium-ion battery is securely attached and protected from short-circuiting by being fully enclosed in the device's battery housing, the battery may remain installed, and there is no limit to the battery's watt-hour size.

If the battery is not securely attached to the device, the battery must be removed and transported separately as a carryon item. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuiting. Any spare lithium-ion batteries must also be transported this way (as a carryon item, with the battery terminals protected to prevent short circuiting).

There is a single battery size limit of 300 watt-hours (Wh). If the device utilizes two batteries, each battery cannot exceed 160 Wh. A maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spare batteries not exceeding 160 Wh each may be carried onboard.

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.

Question 13

What items are not accepted as mobility aids?

Accepted Answer

Southwest Airlines prohibits these portable electronic devices as checked or carryon items regardless of battery type and even if the battery is not installed. Please note that this is not an all-inclusive list.

Hoverboards
Skateboards
Gravity boards
Segway PT
Ninebot
MiniPRO
Onewheel
Razor
Uni‐Wheel products
e-Bikes
Rideable suitcases

Question 14

Can I bring my assistive device with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as your device meets airline battery and safety requirements. Your assistive device will not count toward carryon bag limits as long as it is packed separately from other personal items. You might be asked the nature of the additional carryon bag(s) throughout travel.

Please note, while USB ports are available onboard some of our aircraft, these are not made to support assistive device use. We do not provide onboard sources of power for assistive devices.

Question 15

Where will my assistive device be stowed during the flight?

Accepted Answer

You may check your device if you prefer, but we suggest you bring it onboard if it can be stowed safely in the cabin. Your assistive device will not count toward carryon bag limits as long as it is packed separately from other personal items. If you opt to check your device with your checked baggage, be sure to inform the Customer Service Agent or Skycap at the ticket counter.

Question 16

Which restraint systems are accepted?

Accepted Answer

We accept most child restraint systems (e.g., car seats) onboard our aircraft. Please see Traveling with an infant for more information about child restraint systems.

If you need to use any other type of non-approved restraint system to accommodate a disability during a flight, the device must be approved by the FAA before travel. You may file a petition for exemption with the FAA. Instructions for submitting the petition may be found by visiting the FAA's website. If the petition is approved, you will be required to present a copy of the approval letter when you arrive at the airport and may be required to do so at any other point during travel.

Additionally, please know the FAA has banned certain types of child restraints that may harm a child in the event of an aviation emergency. These include backless booster seats and any device that ties the child to another person.

Question 17

Can I use a restraint system in any seat?

Accepted Answer

No. You can use an FAA-approved child restraint system in a middle or window seat, but never in an exit row (or the row directly in front of or behind an exit row). If placed in a middle seat, the restraint system can't block the window seat occupant's access to exit the row.