Southwest imposes tighter lithium battery rules for mobility devices

Southwest Airlines will require passengers who rely on lithium-powered mobility devices to remove the batteries and carry them into the aircraft cabin before checking in their wheelchairs. The policy takes effect Sept. 25 and is designed to align the carrier with international safety standards while reducing the risk of onboard fires. Southwest cited lithium batteries as a common source of smoke and fire incidents on aircraft, though such events are rare, and stressed that quick access to batteries is critical for safety. "Lithium batteries have become one of the most common sources of smoke and fire incidents on aircraft," said Dave Hunt, Southwest’s vice president for safety and security, in a message to employees on Sept. 12, according to USA Today. "While these events are rare, quick access and visibility are critical to keeping everyone onboard safe. By taking proactive steps now, Southwest will be among the first US carriers to adopt these higher standards."

The airline said the size of lithium batteries permitted on flights is limited to 300 watt-hours (Wh). There will be a grace period for passengers who may need to obtain a new mobility device due to the restriction. To ease the transition, customers with batteries larger than 300 Wh will have a grace period through Jan. 11, 2026, after which devices with batteries above the limit will no longer be accepted for transport. The carried-on wheelchair battery will not count toward a passenger’s carry-on allowance. Southwest also noted that it previously required lithium power banks to be visible onboard when they are in use, part of broader efforts to improve in-flight safety.

The new policy becomes effective Sept. 25. Southwest’s move comes amid broader regulatory scrutiny of lithium batteries on aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration has warned airlines to reassess their electronic fire safety procedures and messaging, while the Transportation Security Administration has tightened rules on lithium batteries and power banks. The FAA has warned that lithium-ion batteries can overheat and undergo thermal runaway, a chain reaction that can occur without warning under a range of conditions, including damage, overheating, water exposure, overcharging, improper packing, or manufacturing defects. The size limit of 300 Wh remains the standard across carriers under these safety advisories.

The push to tighten battery rules is not limited to Southwest. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have similar restrictions for mobility devices, reflecting a broader industry trend toward stricter controls on spare lithium batteries carried by passengers. Airlines have been emphasizing that spare lithium batteries must be kept with passengers in the cabin and that terminals should be protected against short circuits while the devices are in use or being stored onboard.

In related steps, Southwest announced that starting Oct. 24 it will offer free in-flight WiFi across its fleet for Rapid Rewards loyalty members, waiving the usual $8-per-flight fee. The move comes after the airline conducted a test to gauge bandwidth capabilities during periods of high demand and follows other service changes, such as the end of some longstanding policies and seat-selection options. Industry observers note that the free WiFi offering could become a selling point for travelers seeking connectivity, even as the carrier continues to shift its pricing and policy landscape.

Beyond the battery policy, regulators and carriers are weighing the balance between safety and passenger convenience as flights increasingly rely on portable electronics. The TSA has signaled it will continue to adjust check-in and security protocols related to electronics, while Homeland Security leadership has signaled openness to relaxing some restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels, though such changes are not tied to the battery policy at Southwest. The evolving rules underscore the complexity of maintaining safety in an era of rising demand for portable power and greater emphasis on mobility devices in travel.

As the industry adjusts, customers planning travel with mobility devices should review airline guidance ahead of departures and prepare for the possibility of longer check-in or screening times related to the new procedures. Passengers are advised to ensure their batteries are within the 300 Wh limit or to plan for the grace period if they expect to need a larger battery in the near term. Airlines emphasize that the policy is intended to prevent onboard incidents and to provide clear, consistent procedures for handling mobility devices and their power sources while in flight.