Related Airlines
Southwest Wheelchair Policy and Special Assistance Guide
Wheelchairs in the Cabin on Southwest Airlines
Each aircraft is equipped with a specially designed wheelchair storage compartment to allow in-cabin stowage of at least one standard-size, adult, collapsible wheelchair. If the wheelchair compartment is not occupied by another Customer's wheelchair, other assistive devices may be stowed within it. On our 737-700 Series aircraft, the wheelchair compartment is located in the rear of the aircraft. On our 737-800 Series aircraft, the compartment is located in the forward section of the aircraft. The compartment is available for Customers' use on a first-come, first-served basis.
[AMZ asins='B07YNFD9LJ,B01L28ANI2,B074MW1MTW,B00RKJUPS6']
If a wheelchair cannot fit in the storage compartment, it will have to be checked in the cargo hold of the aircraft. You will be provided a wheelchair for use and transportation through the airport.
Wheelchairs Transported in the Cargo Hold on Southwest Airlines
During the check-in process, it is important that the Customer informs a Customer Service Agent that an assistive device is being checked, especially if the assistive device is contained within the Customer's luggage.
If an assistive device cannot be stored safely in the cabin, we will transport it in the cargo compartment. However, we suggest that all removable parts (i.e., cushions, arm or leg rests, and side guards) be stowed in an overhead bin or under a seat if the parts fit and meet all FAA safety requirements for onboard stowage. The Customer has the option to retrieve the checked assistive device at the gate or baggage claim upon arrival at his or her destination. The Customer should advise our Employees when checking the device at which location the Customer prefers to retrieve it.
Power / Electric Wheelchairs on Southwest Airlines
We may ask that a Customer relinquish a power wheelchair up to an hour in advance of departure. In that case, the Customer will be transferred to an airport wheelchair until boarding begins. Power wheelchairs and scooters will be securely stowed in the cargo compartment of the aircraft. Southwest recommends that all removable parts of the wheelchair be stowed in the overhead bins.
We recommend that Customers print the Southwest Airlines Wheelchair/Scooter Information Form and bring it with the Customer to the airport when presenting an assistive device to be checked in. The Wheelchair/Scooter Information Form is not required, but completing the form will serve as a useful guide to the Employees who will be handling an assistive device.
The forward cargo bin door on our aircraft measures 35 by 48 inches.
The aft cargo bin door on our aircraft measures 33 by 48 inches.
Spillable batteries
If an assistive device is powered by a spillable battery, Southwest must be able to access the battery to determine that it is approved for transportation. The battery must show no signs of any defects or damage. The battery will be removed and placed in a protective battery box, as required by federal HAZMAT safety regulations. We recommend that Customers traveling with a device powered by a spillable battery label the battery cables with corresponding colored tape or provide detailed disconnection and reconnection directions so that the Agents at the destination city can quickly and easily reconnect the battery to the device. Customers may bring one "spare" spillable battery for each battery needed to operate the device. Spare batteries will also be packaged in a protective battery box.
Non-spillable batteries
If an assistive device is powered by a non-spillable battery, Southwest must be able to access the battery to determine that it is approved for transportation. The battery must show no signs of any defects or damage. The battery must be properly secured to the device to prevent movement. If the device does not have an effective means of preventing unintentional activation (key turned to “off” and removed, on/off switch in the “off” position, quick disconnection of the joystick, etc.), the battery must be disconnected and the battery terminals protected from short circuit. In these cases, we recommend the Customer provide disconnect directions or label the corresponding cables so that our Agents can easily reconnect the battery and return the assistive device more quickly at the Customer's destination.
Customers may bring one “spare” non-spillable battery for each battery needed to operate the device. Spare non-spillable batteries must be transported as checked baggage and packaged in strong, rigid packaging marked "NONSPILLABLE," "NONSPILLABLE BATTERY," or "Not Restricted." The battery terminals must also be protected from short circuit.
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries
If an assistive device is powered by a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, Southwest must be able to access the battery to determine that it is approved for transportation. The Li-ion battery must show no signs of any defects or damage. The assistive device must be transported as checked baggage. If the Li-ion battery is securely attached and protected from short-circuit by being fully enclosed in the device’s battery housing, the battery may remain installed and there is no limit to battery size on these types of devices. If not securely attached, the battery must be removed, terminals protected from short circuit and transported separately as carryon baggage.
If a device is specifically designed to allow its battery to be easily removed, there is a single battery size limit of 300 watt-hours. If the device utilizes two batteries, each battery cannot exceed 160 watt-hours. The battery or batteries must be removed, protected from short circuit, and carried onboard to be stowed in the cabin. The battery’s size in watt-hours must be displayed on the battery, or the battery should be labeled with its voltage and amp-hour (or milliamp-hour) ratings to allow for size calculation (see formula below) if needed. Any spare batteries must be transported as carryon baggage with the battery terminals protected to prevent short circuit.
Some Li-ion batteries do not display the watt-hour rating on the battery label. The following formulas may be used to determine the watt-hours rating for a Lithium-ion battery:
If the battery lists the Amp-hour rating, use this formula:
Volts (V) x Amp-hours (Ah) = Watt-hours (Wh)
Example for a single battery:
10 volts multiplied by 24 Amp-hours = 240 watt-hours
The 240 watt-hours are below the 300 watt-hour limit for a single battery, so the battery would be allowed.
If the battery lists the Milliamp-hour rating, use this formula instead:
Volts (V) x Milliamp-hours (mAh) ÷ 1,000 = Watt-hours (Wh)
There are additional restrictions on hoverboards and self-balancing devices powered by lithium batteries.
Southwest Airlines Wheelchair Contact Info
Customers may advise Southwest Airlines of any disability-related travel needs at the time of booking by telephone by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) prior to travel.
We recommend that Customers arrive at the airport no later than the recommended airport arrival time. If traveling with a power wheelchair, in the event that we need to prepare the wheelchair for stowage, we may ask that Customers relinquish his/her power wheelchair up to an hour in advance of departure. In this case, the Customer will be transferred to an airport wheelchair until boarding begins.
If traveling in a group of 10 or more Customers who use wheelchairs, please advise us at least 24 hours in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) so that we can ensure adequate staffing and room in the cargo compartment of the aircraft for the wheelchairs.
Comments / Discussion / Questions
Let us know your personal experience or ask any questions here in the comments section below. You will need to login using your Emote or Google account. Be sure to upvote any helpful comments for other travellers preparing for their trip :-)
[AMZ asins='B07YNFD9LJ,B01L28ANI2,B074MW1MTW,B00RKJUPS6']