Where to Get Airline Approval for Your Electric Wheelchair Battery

Feeling stressed about flying with your electric wheelchair? You’re not alone. The rules can feel like a maze, but I’m here to give you the map.

Published on November 13, 2025

You get airline approval directly from your airline. The key is to notify their special assistance desk at least 48 hours before your flight. You will need to provide the specific type of battery (e.g., Lithium-ion, Non-Spillable), its Watt-hour (Wh) rating, and your wheelchair’s make and model.

Now that you know the short answer, stick with me. We’re about to dive deep into the step-by-step process, the documents you actually need, and some pro tips I’ve learned to make the whole process a breeze.

So, Who’s the Gatekeeper? Unpacking the “Approval” Process

First things first, let’s clear up a common misconception. There isn’t some central, mysterious agency you need to apply to for a “wheelchair battery passport.” The approval for your assistive device comes directly from the airline you are flying with. They are the ones responsible for ensuring everything on their plane is safe and compliant with international air travel regulations.

These airlines follow rules set by two major organizations:

The International Air Transport Association (IATA): This global trade association for the world’s airlines sets the standards for transporting “dangerous goods,” and unfortunately for us, our batteries fall into this category.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): This is the U.S. government body that oversees all aspects of civil aviation. Their regulations are law in the United States and often align closely with IATA standards.

Because your battery is considered a dangerous good, the airline needs to give what they call “operator approval.” This is just their fancy way of saying, “Yes, we’ve reviewed your battery information and confirm it’s safe to fly according to our rules.” Your job is simply to give them the right information so they can give you that thumbs-up.

The Golden Rule: Know Your Battery (Because It Changes Everything)

If you take away only one thing from this guide, let it be this: the type of battery in your power wheelchair or mobility scooter dictates everything. The rules for a lithium-ion battery are drastically different from those for a gel cell battery. Before you even think about booking a flight, you must identify what kind of battery you have.

You can usually find this information on the battery itself, in your wheelchair user manual, or by contacting the manufacturer. Once you know, you’ll fall into one of three categories, each with its own set of rules.

Battery Type	Common Names	Key Travel Consideration
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion)	Lithium, Li-ion, WCLB	The most regulated. Rules are based on Watt-hour (Wh) rating and whether the battery is removed or stays installed.
Non-Spillable	Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA), AGM, Gel Cell, Dry Cell, WCBD	The most common and easiest for travel. Usually allowed to stay in the chair.
Spillable	Wet Cell, WCBW	The most difficult. Has strict rules about being kept upright and may need to be removed and placed in special packaging.

An overview of battery types and their travel considerations.

Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries: The One with the Rules

Lithium-ion batteries are popular because they are lightweight and long-lasting, but they are also the most regulated for air travel due to their high energy density. The main concern is fire risk, so the rules are all about managing that.

The most important number for a lithium-ion battery is its Watt-hour (Wh) rating. This is a measure of its energy capacity.

Installed Battery: If your battery remains installed in your wheelchair and is protected by the chair’s frame, there is generally no Watt-hour limit. The key is that the chair’s design must prevent accidental activation and protect the battery from damage.
Removed Battery: If you have a foldable electric wheelchair or your battery must be removed for any reason, the rules change. A single removed battery cannot exceed 300 Wh. If your device needs two batteries to operate, each one cannot exceed 160 Wh.
Spare Batteries: You are allowed to bring spare batteries, but they have the same limits. You can bring one spare battery that is no more than 300 Wh, or two spare batteries that are no more than 160 Wh each.

Crucial Rule: All removed lithium-ion batteries and all spare batteries MUST be carried in your carry-on luggage. They are absolutely forbidden in checked baggage. You must also protect the terminals from a short circuit by taping them over or placing each battery in its own protective pouch.

Non-Spillable (AGM & Gel) Batteries: The Frequent Flyer’s Friend

This is the most common type of battery found in power wheelchairs and mobility scooters. They are called “non-spillable” because the electrolyte is either absorbed in a fiberglass mat (AGM battery) or suspended in a gel (Gel Cell). This makes them much safer for transport.

For a non-spillable battery, the rules are generally much simpler:

The battery can almost always remain installed in the wheelchair.
The airline will require that the battery is securely attached to the chair and the terminals are protected to prevent a short circuit. Some airlines might ask you to disconnect one of the terminals, so be prepared to know how to do that.
If your wheelchair’s design doesn’t protect the battery well, or if the chair cannot be stowed upright, the airline might require the battery to be removed. If so, it will be placed in a strong, rigid container provided by the airline.

These batteries often comply with IATA’s Special Provision A67, which certifies they have been tested and are not prone to leaking. Having documentation that mentions this can make the approval process even smoother.

Spillable (Wet Cell) Batteries: The High-Maintenance Traveler

Spillable batteries, or wet cells, are the old-school car battery type. They contain liquid acid and are the most challenging for air travel because of the risk of corrosive spills. Honestly, they are becoming increasingly rare in modern mobility devices.

If you have a wet cell battery, here are the strict requirements:

Your wheelchair must be loaded, stowed, and unloaded in an upright position at all times.
If the airline cannot guarantee it will stay upright, the battery must be removed.
A removed wet cell battery has to be placed in a special, leak-proof container provided by the airline. This container will be labeled “BATTERY, WET, WITH WHEELCHAIR” and have “Corrosive” and orientation labels on it.

Because of these hassles, if you are a frequent traveler, it might be worth looking into switching to a non-spillable or lithium-ion battery if your chair is compatible.

Your 4-Step Action Plan for Getting the Green Light from Your Airline

Feeling overwhelmed by the battery types? Don’t be. Just follow this simple, step-by-step plan, and you’ll be set.

Step 1: Make the Call (And Do It Early!)

As soon as you book your ticket, find the number for your airline’s special assistance desk (sometimes called the accessibility desk or disability services). Do not just call the general reservations line. You need to talk to the experts.

Contacting the airline’s special assistance desk is your first and most important step.

You are required to notify the airline at least 48 hours before your flight, but I recommend doing it much earlier. Calling weeks or even months in advance gives you plenty of time to sort out any issues.

Step 2: Create Your “Battery Passport” with All the Key Info

When you call the airline, they will ask for specific information about your assistive device. I call this my “Battery Passport.” Have this information ready before you pick up the phone:

Wheelchair Make and Model: (e.g., Pride Mobility Go-Chair, Permobil F3)
Battery Type: Is it Lithium-ion, Non-Spillable (Gel/AGM), or Spillable (Wet)?
Battery Specs:
- For Lithium-Ion, they need the Watt-hour (Wh) rating.
- For Non-Spillable/Spillable, they’ll want the Voltage (V) and Amp-hour (Ah) rating.
Will the battery be removed or remain installed?
Dimensions and Weight of your wheelchair.

How to Calculate Watt-hours (Wh): If your lithium-ion battery doesn’t list the Wh rating, you can easily calculate it. The formula is: Voltage (V) x Amp-hours (Ah) = Watt-hours (Wh). For example, a 24V battery with a 12Ah rating is 288 Wh.

Step 3: Get It in Writing! Your Golden Ticket for a Smooth Check-In

After you’ve provided all the information and the airline representative has confirmed that your wheelchair is approved for travel, ask them for written confirmation. This is your golden ticket.

Ask them to add a note to your reservation and to email you a confirmation of the approval. Print this email and keep it with your other travel documents. If you encounter any issues with a gate agent or check-in staff who might be unfamiliar with the rules, you can show them this proof of prior approval. It can save you a world of stress.

Step 4: Airport Game Day: Prepping for a Stress-Free Departure

On the day of your flight, arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would—I suggest a full three hours before a domestic flight. This gives you a buffer to handle the check-in process for your wheelchair without feeling rushed.

When you get to the check-in counter, inform the agent that you are traveling with a pre-approved electric wheelchair. They will likely want to see your device and may have some special tags or labels to attach to it. This is also when you’ll decide whether to gate-check your wheelchair or check it with your baggage. I almost always recommend gate-checking, as it allows you to use your own chair all the way to the door of the aircraft, reducing the risk of damage or loss.

Your Ultimate Document Checklist: What to Pack to Avoid Headaches

I keep a dedicated folder with all my wheelchair travel documents. Having these on hand can turn a potential problem into a non-issue in seconds.

Airline’s Written Approval: The email confirmation we just talked about. This is your #1 most important document.
“Battery Passport” Info: A printout of your wheelchair and battery specs (type, Wh, V, Ah).
Photo of the Battery Label: Use your phone to take a clear picture of the label on your battery showing the specifications.
Wheelchair User Manual: Especially the pages that show the battery specs and instructions for disengaging the motors or removing the battery.
Manufacturer’s Certificate or UN 38.3 Test Certificate (for Lithium-ion): More on this below.

That Confusing MSDS Paperwork: Do You Really Need It?

You may have heard that you need a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to fly. This is a common point of confusion.

An MSDS is a document that details the hazards of a chemical substance. While a battery contains chemicals, it’s considered an “article,” not a raw substance. In 99% of cases, you do not need an MSDS for your wheelchair battery.

What an airline agent is really looking for when they ask for an MSDS for a lithium-ion battery is proof that it meets safety testing standards. The official document for this is a UN 38.3 test certificate. This confirms the battery has passed a series of rigorous tests for strength, pressure, and electrical safety.

Contact your wheelchair or battery manufacturer to get a copy of this certificate. It’s a great document to have in your travel folder. For non-spillable batteries, a manufacturer’s spec sheet stating it complies with IATA Special Provision A67 is the equivalent.

Pro-Tips from a Seasoned Traveler: Making Your Airport Journey Drama-Free

How to Prep Your Wheelchair Before You Even Leave the House

A little prep work at home can prevent a lot of problems at the airport.

Proper preparation at home is key to a smooth airport experience.

Protect Your Joystick: This is one of the most fragile and expensive parts of your chair. If possible, remove it and carry it with you in your carry-on bag.
Secure Loose Parts: Remove any cushions, bags, or other loose items. Take them on the plane with you so they don’t get lost.
Insulate Battery Terminals: If you are removing your battery, cover the metal terminals with electrical tape or place the battery in a protective pouch to prevent a short circuit.
Create Handling Instructions: I tape a one-page, laminated sheet to my chair with simple instructions for the ground crew. It includes a picture of the chair, my contact info, and simple steps like “How to disengage motors to push manually” and “DO NOT LIFT BY ARMRESTS.”
Label Everything: Put your name and phone number on the chair itself, on the battery, and on any parts you remove.

Why Clear Communication with Airline Staff is Your Secret Weapon

Remember that the ground crew who will be loading your chair onto the plane are experts at handling baggage, not necessarily complex medical devices. Be polite, patient, and clear in your instructions. When you leave your chair at the gate, take a moment to speak with the gate agent or the ground crew supervisor. Briefly show them how to disengage the drive system so they can push it and point out any fragile parts. A little kindness and a 30-second tutorial can make all the difference.

Know Your Rights: A Quick Intro to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)

In the United States, your right to travel by air with an assistive device is protected by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). This is a powerful law that prohibits airlines from discriminating against passengers with disabilities.

Key takeaways from the ACAA:

Airlines cannot refuse to transport your wheelchair or its batteries if they meet the safety regulations.
They cannot charge you extra for transporting your mobility device.
If you run into a problem that the gate agent can’t resolve, politely ask to speak with the airline’s Complaint Resolution Official (CRO). Every airline is required to have a CRO available (either in person or by phone) to resolve disability-related issues on the spot.

Conclusion: You’ve Got This

I know this seems like a lot of information, but it really boils down to three simple things: know your battery, notify your airline early, and get it in writing. Flying with an electric wheelchair doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. By being prepared and proactive, you can take control of the process and ensure a smooth, stress-free journey from check-in to touchdown.

You are your own best advocate. With the right information in hand, you can navigate the system with confidence. Now go book that trip!