Flying with an Universally Designed Mobility Device
Visit the Air Carriers Access Act WebsiteTransporting your Segway or Ally Chair to your destination aboard a commercial aircraft falls under the Air Carriers Access Act, which is enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
While still in the terminal prior to boarding the aircraft you are protected by Title III of the ADA, which is enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Most airlines have prohibited the transportation of large Lithium-Ion batteries, even when being used by those with disabilities.
The two airlines that still allow large Lithium-Ion batteries are Delta and Southwest Airlines.
Segway and ALLY Chair batteries are Lithium-Ion batteries that are non-spillable, which are securely attached to the device, and are protected from being short circuited by being fully enclosed in the device's battery housing. The batteries must be in good condition with no obvious signs of defect.
Tips for flying with a Segway or ALLY ChairWhen booking your ticket always include that you are traveling with a personal assistive mobility device.
Check in at the ticket counter when arriving at the airport, and verify you're bringing a assistive device onboard.
Make sure that you arrive at the gate (at least 1 hour prior) so that your device can be properly loaded onto the aircraft.
Be sure to properly shut down your device, and remove your key FOB and keep it with you.
Always check the airline to be sure their policy on Lithium Ion batteries has not changed since you booked your ticket.
Know the airlines regulations on Lithium-Ion batteries, and have supporting evidence with you at all times.
Make sure when arriving at your departure gate to have the gate agent apply a gate check tag on your device.
If you are denied access from boarding the airline, ask to speak to their CRO, (Complaint Resolution Official).
Immediately report any damage of your device upon landing to the airline CRO.
Excerpt from Delta Airlines website:
delta.com> Traveling with us> Special Assistance> Travelers with disabilities> Wheelchair services> Personal wheelchair services> Lithium-Ion Batteries
Batteries:
"You can help us by identifying your wheelchair batteries as either lithium-ion, spillable or non-spillable so that our employees may establish correct federal Dangerous Goods handling procedures."
Lithium Ion Batteries:
" There is currently no limit on a self-contained Lithium Ion battery in a mobility device."
Note: (Segway I2 batteries and ALLY Chair batteries are self-contained Lithium-Ion, non-spillable.)
Delta Wheelchair Handling Form
Delta Disability Service Request
Update 8/26/2022 Southwest Denying Segways aboard flights
Southwest Airlines is now currently not allowing Segway PT's to be transported on their flights even when being used by a person with a mobility disability. File a complaint with the DOT under the Air Carriers Access Act today and defend your rights! Organizations shouldn't have the power to dictate what Mobility Device you can use!
From the Southwest.com Website:
Flying with other devices that are not considered mobility aids
What items are not accepted as mobility aids?
The following portable electronic devices (PEDs) are not recognized by the HAZMAT Regulations as mobility aids. Southwest Airlines prohibits these types of PEDs in checked or carryon baggage regardless of battery type, even if the battery is not installed.
Hoverboards
Skateboards
Gravity boards
Segway PT
Ninebot
MiniPRO
Onewheel
Razor
Uni‐Wheel products
e-Bikes
Rideable suitcases
Excerpt from Southwest Airlines website:
Southwest.com> Customers with disabilities>Wheelchairs & other devices> Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries:
'If a wheelchair/scooter is powered by a lithium-ion (li-ion) battery, Southwest must be able to access the battery to determine that it is approved for transportation. The Li-ion battery must show no signs of any defects or damage. The assistive device must be transported as checked baggage. If the Li-ion battery is securely attached and protected from short-circuit by being fully enclosed in the device's battery housing, the battery may remain installed and there is no limit to battery size on these type of devices."
- Southwest Wheelchair / Scooter Information Form