Southwest to require removal of lithium batteries from mobility devices before boarding; 300-watt-hour cap planned for 2026

Southwest Airlines is implementing a safety policy change targeting travelers who use mobility devices powered by lithium batteries. Beginning Sept. 25, customers must remove removable lithium batteries from their mobility device before boarding and carry them into the cabin. The batteries will not count as a customer’s carry-on or personal item, according to a memo from Dave Hunt, Southwest’s vice president of safety and security.

The change applies to passengers using wheelchairs or scooters, with Southwest saying the policy is designed to improve visibility and access for crews in the event of an in-flight incident. The airline noted that the policy will affect fewer than 0.1% of its customers and has begun notifying travelers with trips planned for Sept. 25 and onward. Passengers may bring up to 20 spare batteries on the flight, according to Southwest’s website.

By Jan. 11, 2026, Southwest will implement a size restriction on lithium batteries, limiting them to 300 watt-hours or fewer.

Southwest said it will be among the first U.S. carriers to adopt these standards, with a spokesperson noting that affected customers have already begun to be notified for travel planned on or after Sept. 25. The memo also stressed the airline’s commitment to supporting individual travelers who may be impacted by the policy.

The policy update comes amid broader safety concerns around lithium batteries in air travel. In July, a lithium battery exploded in a passenger’s bag on a Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale, prompting an emergency diversion and swift action by flight crews.

Industry observers say the Southwest move reflects an ongoing effort across airlines to standardize handling of power sources for mobility devices, aiming to mitigate in-cabin fire risk while balancing accessibility for travelers who rely on these devices. Analysts caution that implementation may add steps for mobility-device users and could require additional planning for trips, particularly for those traveling with multiple batteries.

Southwest emphasized that its priority is safety and support for customers who rely on mobility devices, noting that the airline remains committed to helping affected travelers navigate the new process as it rolls out this fall.