Traveling with Medical Devices and Mobility Aids

How do I travel with my battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid?

Passengers in need of a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid should be aware of the requirements applicable to these devices, based on the type of battery which powers their wheelchair or mobility device as follows[2]:

Nonspillable battery-powered wheelchairs or mobility aids:

• Visual inspection, including removal of the battery where necessary, reveals no obvious defects.
  • Removal of the battery from the housing should be performed by qualified airline personnel only.
• The battery is disconnected and the battery terminals are protected to prevent short circuits, unless the wheelchair or mobility aid design provides an effected means of preventing unintentional activation.
• The battery is transported in ONE of the following ways:
  • Securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid.
  • Removed and placed in a strong rigid packaging marked “NONSPILLABLE BATTERY” (unless fully enclosed in a rigid housing that is properly marked).
  • Removed and packaged in a manner suitable for spillable batteries (see below).

Spillable battery-powered wheelchairs or mobility aids:

• Visual inspection, including removal of the battery where necessary, reveals no obvious defects.
  • Removal of the battery from the housing should be performed by qualified airline personnel only.
• The battery is disconnected and terminals are insulated to prevent short circuits.
• The pilot-in-command is advised, either orally or in writing, prior to departure, as to the location of the battery aboard the aircraft.
• The wheelchair or mobility aid is loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded in an upright position OR the battery is removed and carried in a strong, rigid packaging that:
  • Is leak-tight and impervious to battery fluid.  An inner liner may be used to satisfy this requirement if there is absorbent material inside the liner and the liner has a leakproof closure.
  • The battery is protected against short circuits, secured upright in the packaging, and be packaged with enough compatible absorbent material  to completely absorb the liquid contents of the battery in the event of a rupture.
  • Is labeled with a CORROSIVE label, marked to indicate proper orientation, and marked with the words “Battery, wet, with wheelchair”

Lithium-ion battery-powered wheelchairs or mobility aids:

• For lithium-ion battery powered wheelchair or mobility aids:
  • Visual inspection, including removal of the battery where necessary, reveals no obvious defects.
  • Battery terminals are protected from short circuits (e.g., by being enclosed within a battery container that is securely attached to the mobility aid).
  • The pilot-in-command is advised, either orally or in writing, prior to departure, as to the location of the battery aboard the aircraft.
  • The wheelchair or mobility aid is loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded in an upright position and in a manner that prevents unintentional activation and protects it from damage.
• A lithium-metal (non-rechargable) battery-powered is forbidden aboard a passenger-carrying aircraft.
• A wheelchair or other mobility aid when carried as checked or carry-on baggage:
  • The wheelchair or mobility aid is designed and constructed in a manner to allow for stowage in either a cargo compartment or in the passenger cabin.
  • The lithium-ion battery and any spare batteries are carried in the same manner as other spare lithium-ion batteries are [LINK TO LITHIUM-ION BATTERY PAGE].

What about other Medical Devices, such as a CPAP Machine or Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

For further information on traveling with disabilities or medical conditions, please consult the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at the following URL:

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/travelers-disabilities-and-medical-conditions