Southwest Airlines enforces new lithium battery rule for mobility devices: Here’s how it impacts travelers

Southwest Airlines has started enforcing a new rule affecting passengers who rely on powered wheelchairs and scooters. Starting from September 25, 2025, travelers with motorized mobility devices that use lithium-ion batteries will be required to remove the batteries before checking in the device. The batteries must then be carried into the cabin, though they will not count toward carry-on or personal item limits, The Street reported.

Dave Hunt, Southwest’s Vice President of Safety and Security, outlined the changes in a memo to employees, later confirmed by a company spokesperson. Hunt wrote, “Lithium batteries have become one of the most common sources of smoke and fire incidents on aircraft.”