Battery requirements for mobility devices
Requirements effective March 31, 2027
Starting March 31, 2027, customers traveling with lithium-ion battery-powered wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices will need to meet new battery requirements. These requirements help reduce lithium-ion battery-related safety risks while continuing to support customers who travel with mobility devices.
What you need to know
- The lithium-ion battery for the mobility device must be removable and must travel with you in the cabin.
- The battery must be rated at 300 watt-hours (Wh) or less.
- The watt-hour rating must be visible on the manufacturer’s battery label.
- Mobility devices with non-removable lithium-ion batteries will not be accepted for travel on American flights on or after March 31, 2027.
- Mobility devices that meet these requirements will continue to be accepted for travel on American flights.
Spare batteries
You may bring one spare battery rated up to 300 Wh or two spare batteries rated up to 160 Wh each. Spare batteries must be carried in the aircraft cabin.
Before you arrive at the airport
- Check whether your battery can be removed from the device.
- Ensure the battery has an original manufacturer’s label and confirm that it displays the watt-hour rating.
- If the watt-hour rating is not shown on the manufacturer’s label, the battery cannot be accepted for travel.
- Contact Special Assistance at 800-237-7976 if you have questions.
- For customers with hearing or speech disabilities, contact 800-735-2988.
Frequently asked questions
Lithium-ion batteries can create a fire risk if they are damaged or enter thermal runaway. These requirements are designed to help reduce risk to our customers, team members and aircraft.
American will not accept a mobility device with a non-removable lithium-ion battery for travel on or after March 31, 2027. Please contact American’s Special Assistance team before traveling to discuss available options.
The watt-hour (Wh) rating is typically printed on the battery label. If you can’t locate it, contact the battery or mobility device manufacturer for assistance before travel.
The battery will not be accepted without a manufacturer’s label showing its watt-hour rating. A customer-created label is not sufficient. Contact the battery manufacturer for assistance.
No. The new requirements take effect for travel on or after March 31, 2027. We’re announcing them 6 months in advance so customers have time to review their equipment and prepare.
Contact American’s Special Assistance team at 800-237-7976.