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Spirit Airlines Wheelchair Policy and Special Assistance Guide
Bringing Your Wheelchair on Spirit Airlines
Your assistive devices, including but not limited to, mobility assistive devices, respiratory assistive devices (CPAPs, POCs, etc.), medications, and/or medical supplies, do not count towards your baggage allowance and can be brought on board free of charge as long as the device is packaged separately from regular baggage items. Should any other items be packed with these devices or medications, they will be charged as a carry on or checked bag accordingly.
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To safely be stowed on-board, the device must not exceed 39 x 26 x 11 inches (99 x 116 x 63 cm). Assistive devices larger than this (apart from manually powered wheelchairs - see below for more information) will be checked in at no cost.
For Guests who wish to bring their own mobility devices on board their flight, they are accepted at no charge! Mobility devices, such as canes, will be accepted in the cabin if they can be safely stowed in the overhead compartment or completely underneath the seat in front of the Guest. To safely be stowed in the overhead compartment, the device must be approximately 39 x 26 x 11 inches (99 x 116 x 63 cm). Alternatively, Spirit Airlines will check them in at no cost.
Your manual or battery-operated wheelchair or mobility aid can be checked at the ticket counter and/or gate. Detachable items such as seat cushions, removable side-guards and footrests can be carried with you onboard, or they can be stowed with the device in the cargo bin. Please alert a gate agent once arriving to your departure gate that you would like your device checked at the gate and brought back up to you at the gate upon arriving to your destination. Assistive devices are available at the end of the boarding process.
Spirit Airlines can stow folding manual wheelchairs in the cabin (up to a maximum of two per flight) on a first-come first-serve basis. Please inform the gate agent if you would like this service.
Battery powered wheelchairs cannot be stored in the cabin and must be checked in.
Battery-Powered Wheelchairs on Spirit Airlines
Battery-powered devices require some special preparation prior to being transported. If you’re traveling with a battery-powered wheelchair or other mobility aid, we encourage you to arrive to the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time to help ensure proper handling is accomplished.
Spirit Airlines will always attempt to load and stow your device in an upright position. Generally, they will not need to disassemble the device and the battery will be left attached. If the device cannot be loaded and stowed in an upright position, airport representatives may ask you for instructions on how to disassemble your device. It is recommended to complete the Mobility Aid Information form to provide airport representatives with assembly/disassembly instructions, and any other helpful information about your device and its battery.
The device’s battery must be identified to the airport representatives as spillable, non-spillable or lithium ion to ensure safe handling and transportation of the battery. It is helpful if you have this information ready and available.
After visual inspection, any battery which is determined to have obvious defects, damage and/or cracks will not be accepted for transportation.
Spillable Batteries
Wet cell batteries are considered spillable. To be accepted for transportation:
The battery must be disconnected and the terminals insulated to prevent short circuits, and the wheelchair or mobility aid must be loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded in an upright position, or
The battery must be removed and secured upright in a strong, rigid, leak-proof, and properly marked battery box approved by Spirit Airlines. The battery must also be protected against short circuit.
Non-Spillable Batteries
Dry cell and gel cell batteries are considered non-spillable. To be accepted for transportation, the wheelchair or mobility aid must be positively protected from accidental activation via a Quick-Disconnect mechanism, or the battery must be disconnected and the terminals protected to prevent short circuits. In addition, the battery must:
Be securely attached to the mobility aid, and the wheelchair or mobility aid must be loaded, stowed, secured, and unloaded in an upright position, or
Be removed and placed in a strong, rigid, and properly marked battery box approved by Spirit Airlines.
NOTE: The battery must conform to the requirements of 49 CFR Part 173.159a(d) for non-spillable batteries, and 49 CFR Part 172.102(c)(1), Special provision 130 for dry sealed batteries.
Lithium Ion Batteries
Lithium ion batteries are classified independently from other battery types. Lithium batteries may overheat and ignite in certain conditions and, once ignited, may be difficult to extinguish. To be accepted for transportation:
Battery terminals must be protected from short circuit (e.g., enclosed within a battery housing), electrical circuits isolated, and the battery must be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid.
The wheelchair or mobility aid must be able to be loaded and stowed in a manner that would prevent its unintentional activation and possible short-circuiting.
If the wheelchair or mobility aid is specifically designed to allow its battery to be removed (e.g., the device is collapsible), the battery must be removed and carried onboard with you. When a lithium ion battery is removed from the device, the following must conditions must be met:
The battery cannot exceed 300-watt hours (Wh).
NOTE: If you are unsure of the watt-hour rating of your lithium ion battery, contact the manufacturer of your device. Lithium ion batteries manufactured after January 1, 2009, are required to be marked with the watt-hour rating.
You must provide a Spirit representative with instructions for proper removal of the battery from the wheelchair or mobility aid.
The battery terminals must be protected from short circuit by placement in original retail packaging or by insulating the terminal (e.g. taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch).
If the battery is not specifically designed to be removed, Federal Regulations allow for one large lithium ion battery to be transported installed in a wheelchair or mobility aid. In this case, there is no watt hour limit for the battery installed in the device.
NOTE: The battery must have successfully passed each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria as specified in 49 CFR Part 173.185, unless it was approved by the Associate Administrator.
Spare or Removed Lithium Ion Batteries
Spare lithium ion batteries and lithium ion batteries which have been removed from your wheelchair or mobility aid, must be carried onboard with you.
Customers are permitted to carry one (1) spare or removed battery, which must not exceed 300 watt hours, or up to two (2) spare or removed batteries, which must not exceed 160 watt hours each.
Spare batteries must be effectively protected against short circuiting by:
Packing each battery or each battery-powered device, in a fully enclosed inner packaging made of non-conductive material (such as a plastic bag).
Separating or packing batteries in a manner to prevent contact with other batteries, devices or conductive materials (e.g., metal) in the packaging.
Ensuring that exposed terminals or connectors are protected with non-conductive caps/tape.
For more information about traveling safely with batteries, please go to the FAA's website.
Other spare batteries for assistive devices & TSA
Aircraft electrical plugs are not available for use with any electronic device.
All spare batteries must be transported in carry-on baggage and must be packed in a manner that protects them from physical damage and short-circuits.
Batteries must be NON-SPILLABLE. Spirit will not accept spare spillable batteries.
We encourage our Guests with special needs to carry any assistive devices or medications with them in the cabin.
TSA guidelines regarding traveling with medications or medical equipment can be found on their website https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures.
Spirit Airlines Wheelchair Assistance at the Airport
Requesting Special Assitance at the Airport
It is recommended to request special assistance with Spirit Airlines in advance while booking your reservation online. If you’ve already booked your flight you may add the service through the Spirit Airlines "My Trips" section of the Spirit Airlines website or by calling the Contact Center at 855-728-3555.
After adding the service in advance, let an agent know at the airport while checking in, at your departure gate, and upon arrival (if needed) of the service you’ll need. It’s best to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.
f needed, we can provide a wheelchair to you from the curb outside of a Spirit terminal. Since we do not have curbside check-in, a request for curbside assistance needs to be made with a Spirit representative inside the terminal.
Wheelchair Assistance Through the Airport
Spirit Airlines will provide assistance to the check-in counter, through security, and to your gate. If you need assistance to a bathroom or to grab a bite to eat – let the wheelchair porter know! They will assist if it’s in the same terminal and if time permits.
Wheelchair Assistance During Pre-Boarding and Onboard Spirit Airlines Flights - Aisle Wheelchair
Pre-boarding the aircraft in a wheelchair can also be provided. Guests must inform the agent at the gate of their desire to pre-board and be present at the gate before boarding begins.
Spirit Airlines have a specially designed aisle wheelchair for Guests who are immobile to use in reaching their seats when boarding and deplaning the aircraft. We recommend requesting this service when making your reservation. When landing at your destination, aisle wheelchair assistance will be provided after the last Guest deplanes to ensure a smooth transition.
Wheelchair Assistance Upon Arrival
When landing at your destination, Spirit Airlines asks that Guests remain on the aircraft until the last Guest has deplaned as this allows employees to better identify those that need help, and ensures assistance is provided promptly. We will provide service to your connecting flight or to pick up your bag and to the curb outside the Spirit terminal.
Please keep in mind that it is required that Guests identify themselves to a Spirit representative to receive wheelchair assistance.
Spirit Airlines Wheelchair Contact Information
It is recommended to book all necessary special assistance requests through the Spirit Airlines during the time of booking. You may add additional requests through the "My Trips" section of the website, or by calling 855-728-3555.
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