Flying Southwest with a Mobility Scooter: My First Experience

I recently flew Southwest Airlines for the first time with my mobility scooter (yes, our destination was Disney), and to be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. I’d heard a lot of stories—some good, some not so good—so I was a little nervous going in. But I have to say, the whole process was surprisingly smooth. If you’re thinking about flying with your scooter and aren’t sure how it all works, here’s what I experienced from start to finish.

Step 1: Checking In with the Scooter

When you arrive at the airport, your first stop is the Southwest ticket counter. Think of it like checking a bag—but instead of dropping it off, you’re getting your scooter inspected and tagged. They’ll take a quick look and give you a special inspection tag that stays on the scooter throughout your trip.

Step 2: Security Screening

Next up is TSA. They’ll give your scooter a once-over to make sure everything checks out. One thing I learned the hard way: take your battery charger out of any storage compartment and send it through the X-ray machine with your other carry-on items. I didn’t do that the first time, and they let me know the charger counts as a separate electronic device. Check out TSA Cares for more information.

Step 3: Getting a Gate Check Tag

When you get to your gate, make sure to stop at the customer service desk and ask for a gate check tag for your scooter. This tells the crew that your scooter needs to be stowed underneath the plane and brought back to you when you land.

Step 4: Boarding the Plane

When it’s time to board, you’ll ride your scooter down the jet bridge like normal and park it near the end. This is where they’ll take it to stow it under the plane. Important tip: Don’t forget to take your key with you. You’ll need it again once you land.

Step 5: Picking Up Your Scooter After the Flight

After you land, stay put at the end of the jet bridge. It might take a few minutes for the ground crew to bring your scooter back up, but they’ll get it to you. Whatever you do, don’t leave the jet bridge area—once you exit, you can’t go back, and that could make things complicated.

FAQ: Flying with a Mobility Scooter on Southwest Airlines

These FAQs are based on my personal experience flying with Southwest Airlines. Other airlines may have different policies and procedures when it comes to traveling with a mobility scooter, so be sure to check with your airline before your trip.

Where can I find more information?

Southwest Airlines has a helpful page on their website for their mobility aid policy that will provide you with all the information you need.

Do I need to let Southwest know I’m bringing a mobility scooter?

It’s a good idea to add a special services request when you book your ticket or call Southwest ahead of time. But even if you don’t, they’ll still assist you at the airport—just make sure you arrive a little early.

Does it cost extra to bring a scooter with me?

No, Southwest does not charge to gate check your scooter if it is being used for mobility purposes.

Can I ride my scooter through the airport?

Yes! You can use your scooter all the way through the terminal and down the jet bridge. You’ll hand it off right before boarding the plane.

What happens to the scooter during the flight?

The scooter is gate-checked, just like a stroller or wheelchair. It’s stored in the cargo hold and brought back up to the jet bridge when you land.

Should I bring the scooter key with me on the plane?

Yes, always take your key with you. You’ll need it to power the scooter once it’s returned to you after the flight.

Can I bring my charger in the scooter’s basket or compartment?

Technically, yes—but TSA may ask you to remove it and run it through the X-ray separately, so it’s easier to just take it out ahead of time and include it with your carry-on.

How long does it take to get my scooter after landing?

It usually takes just a few minutes, but it depends on the airport and how quickly the ground crew can retrieve it. Just wait at the jet bridge exit and be patient—they’ll bring it right to you.

What do I do with the batteries?

Lithium batteries need to be removed from the scooter and taken with you on the plane. Dry cell (AGM) batteries can stay in the scooter. Flooded batteries—though not common in modern scooters—will be removed by Southwest before stowing. If you're unsure what type of battery your scooter uses, check your scooter’s manual or contact the manufacturer. It's also a good idea to double-check Southwest’s current battery policies before flying.

Final Thoughts

Flying with a mobility scooter doesn’t have to be stressful. It's actually quite simple. Southwest made the whole process pretty painless, and now that I know what to expect, I feel a lot more confident doing it again. The people at Southwest made this so easy I could focus on cheering on my wife and her family running in the Disney Springtime Surprise race weekend, and not worrying about my scooter.

If you’re traveling with a scooter for the first time, I hope this helps ease some of those pre-flight jitters. Just plan ahead, be patient, and don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way.

Have questions or your own tips about flying with a mobility scooter? I’d love to hear them—drop a comment or reach out!