Battery powered mobility devices (wheelchairs/scooters, etc.) will be checked at no additional charge at the ticket counter or gate and transported if the cargo compartment is large enough and if all federal HAZMAT safety regulations are satisfied.
Additionally, it is recommended that all removable parts (i.e., cushions, arm or leg rests, and side guards) be stowed in an overhead bin or under a seat if the parts fit and also meet all FAA safety requirements for onboard stowage.
In some situations, it will be necessary to remove the battery from the passenger’s wheelchair or other mobility device, and to package it separately:
- Any spillable battery contained in a wheelchair that cannot be loaded, stowed, and secured and unloaded in an upright position
- Any battery that is not securely attached to a wheelchair
Proper labeling of battery cables and/or providing detailed disconnection and reconnection directions will assist ground personnel at the departure or destination city to easily disconnect/reconnect the battery to the wheelchair/scooter.
Click here to download the wheelchair description form.
Wet Cell (Spillable) Batteries
If your wheelchair or other battery-powered mobility aid is powered by a wet cell (spillable) battery, it can be carried as checked baggage, provided:
- Visual inspection reveals no obvious defects
- Battery is securely attached to the mobility device
- Battery housing provides protection from damage
- Terminals are protected from short circuits
- Battery cables disconnected, unless protected from accidental activation
- Loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded in an upright position
- When it is not possible to store in an upright position, the battery will be removed, placed in a protective battery box, as required by federal HAZMAT safety regulations, and loaded into the cargo compartment of the aircraft at no additional charge.
Dry Cell (Non-Spillable) Batteries
If your wheelchair or other battery-powered mobility aid is powered by a non-spillable (gel cell, absorbed electrolyte) battery or a dry cell sealed battery, it can be carried as checked baggage, provided:
- Visual inspection reveals no obvious defects
- Has an effective means of preventing accidental activation, such as:
- Key turned to “Off” and removed
- On / Off Switch in the “Off” position
- Turning a kill switch
- Removing a power arm
- Battery is securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid
- Battery housing provides protection from damage
- If these criteria cannot be met the following must occur:
- Cables disconnected
- Protected from short-circuiting (by placement in original retail packaging or otherwise insulating the terminal e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch)
- Removal of battery from device
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries
If your wheelchair or other battery-powered mobility aid is powered by a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, Allegiant personnel must be able to determine that the battery is approved for transportation and must meet specific criteria, such as:
- Have a means of preventing accidental activation (key turned to “off” and removed, on/off switch in the “off” position, etc.) or possible short-circuiting
- Show no signs of any defects
- Securely attached to the mobility aid
- Labeled, or provide documentation showing the battery has been proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part lll, Sub-section 38.3
- For mobility aids where the lithium-ion battery is installed as an essential part of the device, there is no watt hour limit for the battery
If your device is specifically designed to allow its battery to be easily removed (i.e. a collapsible scooter, etc.), the battery must be:
- Carried onboard to be stowed in the cabin
- Protected from short-circuiting (by placement in original retail packaging or otherwise insulating the terminal e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch)
- Labeled, or provide documentation showing the battery has been proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part lll, Sub-section 38.3
- Passengers are allowed to transport two (2) spare batteries less than 100 watt hour ( Wh) each in carry-on baggage
Lithium Metal (non-rechargeable lithium) Batteries
If your wheelchair or other battery-powered mobility aid is powered by a lithium metal battery, it is forbidden for travel in these devices.
Other Assistive Devices
Other assistive devices, such as walkers, canes, crutches, CPAP machines, etc., that can be stowed in compliance with FAA safety regulations, will not be counted toward your one carry-on plus one personal item limit. If an assistive device cannot be stored safely in the cabin, we will tag your device and transport it in the cargo compartment.