Southwest To Enforce New Policy On Battery-Powered Wheelchairs Starting Sept. 25

Southwest Airlines will begin enforcing a new policy governing battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility devices beginning September 25, 2025. As first reported by USA Today, all lithium batteries used in wheelchair units will need to be removed and carried into the cabin , while the airline is simultaneously introducing new size restrictions.

Southwest Airlines

IATA Code

WN

ICAO Code

SWA

Airline Type

Low-Cost Carrier

IATA/ICAO Code

WN/SWA

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The change comes amid growing safety and regulatory scrutiny over lithium-ion batteries aboard aircraft. Southwest says it’s implementing the policy to reduce the risk of onboard fires. The airline is also offering a grace period to help passengers transition to complying with the new size policies, reducing the