If it looks as if the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) change the principles about what’s and is not allowed on airplanes each week, that is as a result of these two companies do make frequent updates.
In some circumstances, the principles are rigid. Different instances, particular person airways determine to implement them as they see match.
That’s the case with lithium-ion batteries utilized in particular gadgets.
The FAA issued a brand new security alert on September 10, 2025. The modifications goal to scale back fireplace dangers related to moveable batteries in plane.
Key coverage modifications for lithium batteries in mobility gadgets
- Efficient September 25, 2025: Detachable lithium batteries should be extracted from powered mobility gadgets (reminiscent of electrical wheelchairs and scooters) and carried within the cabin as a part of carry-on baggage.
- Starting January 11, 2026: A most restrict of 300 watt-hours (Wh) will apply to detachable lithium batteries utilized in these gadgets.
Southwest (LUV) introduced it’ll implement the brand new guidelines as written by the FAA, based on a Reuters report.
Southwest notes these steps are supposed to enhance security whereas sustaining entry for passengers who depend on electrical mobility gadgets.
Southwest Airways is altering its coverage on lithium batteries.
Picture supply: Kevin Carter/Getty Photos
FAA steerage on lithium-ion batteries in mobility gadgets
The FAA’s PackSafe program pointers specify that for mobility gadgets with lithium-ion batteries:
- Batteries should be protected against harm and brief circuits and marked with watt-hour rankings.
- Detachable batteries should be carried within the cabin solely; non-removable batteries should meet design safety and security necessities.
- Lithium metallic (non-rechargeable) batteries are forbidden in mobility gadgets.
The FAA reported 50 incidents in 2025 involving lithium-ion battery smoke, fireplace, or excessive warmth aboard U.S. passenger plane. Some occasions led to flight diversions or accidents.
Do all airways have the identical guidelines for battery-powered mobility gadgets?
The FAA and the TSA set the minimal requirements for lithium batteries on U.S. flights. All home airways should comply with these rules, however carriers are allowed to impose stricter necessities.
- Southwest Airways: Now requiring detachable batteries in mobility gadgets to be indifferent and, by 2026, restricted to 300 Wh.
- Delta Air Traces: Follows FAA requirements however specifies that detachable batteries should be in protecting circumstances and limits spare lithium batteries to 2 models above 100 Wh.
- United Airways: Requires advance discover for wheelchairs with batteries over 100 Wh and should ask for producer documentation.
- American Airways: Aligns with FAA guidelines however emphasizes that non-removable batteries should be securely hooked up to the machine and disconnected throughout flight.
For worldwide carriers, guidelines are based mostly on Worldwide Air Transport Affiliation (IATA) Harmful Items Rules.
These are largely per FAA pointers however typically enforced extra strictly. For instance, some Asian and European airways require documentation of watt-hour rankings for all batteries over 100 Wh, no matter removability.
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Whereas the FAA and TSA set the baseline, passengers could face completely different necessities relying on the airline and whether or not they’re flying domestically or internationally.
The FAA urged airways in its September 2025 alert to strengthen “risk mitigation strategies” round lithium-ion gadgets, noting that batteries are sometimes sources of in-flight smoke and fireplace incidents.
In line with Southwest Airways:
“Lithium batteries have become one of the most common sources of smoke and fire incidents on aircraft. While these events are rare, quick access and visibility are critical to keeping everyone onboard safe.”
Affect on vacationers who want electrical gadgets for mobility
Passengers who depend upon powered mobility gadgets could also be pissed off by the modifications. Many wheelchairs and scooters use detachable batteries that require instruments to detach, elevating issues about how insurance policies shall be enforced at boarding gates.
Southwest advises vacationers with battery-powered wheelchairs and scooters to:
- Confirm watt-hour rankings on their batteries.
- Carry producer documentation to substantiate compliance.
- Contact the airline’s accessibility desk forward of journey.
Southwest’s new limits are among the many extra restrictive amongst U.S. carriers, however all airways are going through rising stress to mitigate lithium battery dangers throughout all modes of transportation, particularly given the variety of fireplace incidents up to now 12 months.
As FAA steerage evolves and worldwide requirements tighten, vacationers who depend on mobility gadgets ought to anticipate extra airways to introduce comparable insurance policies within the months forward.
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