Southwest Airlines wheelchair assistance is available for Customers with disabilities who need help moving through the airport, reaching the gate, boarding, connecting between flights, or getting assistance after landing.
Southwest says wheelchair assistance can be provided from the airport curb to and from gates, between gates for connecting flights, during boarding, gate changes, and irregular operations. You can request assistance in advance or identify yourself and the assistance you need when you arrive at the airport.
Official Southwest Airlines Customer Service: 1-800-435-9792
Alternative / Third-Party Travel Assistance: +1-833-319-4929
+1-833-319-4929 is an independent third-party travel-assistance number and is not Southwest Airlines' official customer service or accessibility number.
Does Southwest Airlines Provide Wheelchair Assistance?
Yes. Southwest provides wheelchair assistance throughout key parts of the airport journey.
Southwest wheelchair assistance may include:
- Help from the airport curb
- Assistance through the terminal
- Help reaching the departure gate
- Assistance between gates during a connection
- Preboarding support
- Help during gate changes
- Assistance during irregular operations
- Help after landing
Southwest asks passengers to identify themselves and explain the assistance they need when arriving at the airport, at connection points, and after landing.
How Do I Request Wheelchair Assistance on Southwest Airlines?
You can tell Southwest in advance through your reservation or request assistance when you arrive at the airport.
Request Assistance Before Travel
Southwest allows Customers to indicate accessibility needs by managing an existing reservation online.
You can review Southwest's official wheelchair assistance information here: Southwest Wheelchair Assistance at the Airport.
Request Assistance at the Airport
If you did not request help in advance, speak with a Southwest Employee when you arrive.
If curbside check-in is unavailable or there is no Employee or Skycap at the curb, request assistance inside the airport.
What Type of Wheelchair Assistance Should I Request?
Be specific about your mobility needs.
Tell Southwest if you:
- Can walk short distances but need help through the terminal
- Cannot walk long distances
- Cannot use stairs
- Need assistance to the aircraft door
- Need an aisle chair
- Need lift or transfer assistance
- Are bringing your own wheelchair or scooter
Clear information helps airport staff understand the type of assistance you need.
Can Southwest Help Transfer Me Into My Seat?
Yes. Southwest provides lift and transfer assistance at the gate.
Southwest says a small wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle is available at every gate. Gates also have a Passenger Transfer Kit containing transfer equipment.
If you need this help, tell a Customer Service Agent at the gate before boarding and wait for preboarding to begin.
Flight Attendants do not provide lift or transfer assistance onboard. However, assistance to and from the lavatory may be available using an onboard wheelchair.
Read Southwest's official lift and transfer guidance here: Southwest Lift and Transfer Assistance.
Can I Bring My Own Wheelchair on Southwest Airlines?
Yes. Southwest accepts both manual and battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids.
You can tell Southwest in advance that you are bringing your own mobility device by managing the reservation or contacting the airline.
Southwest provides detailed handling guidance for personal mobility devices here: Southwest Wheelchair and Mobility Aid Information.
What Are Southwest's Wheelchair Size and Weight Limits?
Southwest publishes specific transport limits for mobility devices.
According to Southwest's current mobility-device guidance, wheelchairs and mobility aids exceeding 500 pounds are not accepted for travel.
The airline also states that devices exceeding approximately 34 inches in height or 45 inches in width or depth after removable parts are taken off or adjusted may not be accepted.
This matters because aircraft cargo-door dimensions can limit what can be safely loaded.
Does Southwest Charge a Baggage Fee for Wheelchairs?
No standard checked baggage fee applies to wheelchairs and mobility aids checked by Customers with disabilities.
This accessibility equipment is handled separately from ordinary checked baggage.
What Information Should I Provide About My Wheelchair?
Keep these details ready:
- Wheelchair or mobility-aid brand
- Model
- Weight
- Width
- Height
- Length or depth
- Battery type
- Instructions for switching off the device
- Safe lifting points
- Removable components
Southwest provides a dedicated Wheelchair / Mobility Aid Information Form that passengers can complete before arriving at the airport.
You can access the official form here: Southwest Wheelchair / Mobility Aid Information Form.
Should I Photograph My Wheelchair Before Flying?
Yes. Taking photos before travel is a sensible precaution.
Photograph:
- The full wheelchair or scooter
- Controls
- Wheels
- Battery area
- Existing marks or damage
- Removable components
Photos may help document the condition of the device if a problem occurs during transport.
Can I Fly With a Power Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter?
Yes, but battery-powered mobility devices require specific handling.
Southwest's mobility-aid form identifies different battery categories, including:
- Wet cell / spillable batteries
- Dry cell / non-spillable batteries
- Lithium-ion batteries
Southwest's current form states that certain lithium-ion batteries must be removed from the mobility device and transported in the cabin, subject to applicable battery limits.
Always confirm current battery requirements before departure.
Should I Remove Parts From My Wheelchair?
Remove loose or easily damaged parts when practical.
This can include:
- Headrests
- Leg rests
- Seat cushions
- Control sticks
- Armrests
- Side protectors
- Trays
- Belts or straps
Southwest's mobility-aid form lets passengers identify which removable parts should remain with the device and which should be stored in the cabin.
What Happens to My Wheelchair During a Connection?
Southwest provides wheelchair assistance between gates for connecting flights.
When you arrive at a connection point, identify yourself and tell the Southwest Employee what assistance you need.
If your itinerary includes a partner airline, the other airline may have different wheelchair-assistance procedures.
Does Southwest Send Wheelchair Tracking Notifications?
Southwest says Customers checking a wheelchair or scooter can receive status notifications when the device is loaded onto the aircraft and unloaded.
Notifications may be sent by text or email using the contact information attached to the reservation.
What Happens During Airport Security?
TSA controls security screening in U.S. airports.
Southwest advises travellers to tell the TSA officer if they cannot walk or stand without assistance.
Wheelchairs, scooters, seat cushions, and attached items may need to be screened.
Travellers needing additional screening assistance can also review the TSA Cares program.
Can Wheelchair Passengers Preboard Southwest Flights?
Passengers who need extra time, an aisle chair, or transfer assistance should speak with the gate agent before boarding.
Preboarding can provide additional time to reach the aircraft seat and complete required transfers.
What Assistance Is Available After Landing?
Southwest wheelchair assistance can continue after arrival.
Depending on your needs, this may include:
- Help leaving the aircraft
- Wheelchair assistance at the gate
- Help reaching a connecting flight
- Assistance during a gate change
- Help moving through the terminal
Identify yourself and the assistance you need when you arrive at your destination.
What If My Wheelchair Is Damaged or Missing?
Report any problem before leaving the airport.
Keep:
- Photos taken before travel
- Photos of any damage
- Wheelchair make and model
- Mobility-aid tag
- Boarding pass
- Claim or report information
How Do I Contact Southwest About Wheelchair Assistance?
For general reservations and accessibility-related help:
Southwest Airlines Customer Service: 1-800-435-9792
TTY: 1-800-533-1305
For more Southwest and airline contact information, see our airline customer service phone numbers guide.
Southwest Airlines Wheelchair Assistance Checklist
Before your trip:
- Add wheelchair assistance to your reservation
- Save your confirmation number
- Photograph your mobility device
- Know the device dimensions and weight
- Know the battery type
- Complete the mobility-aid information form if useful
- Label removable components
- Allow extra time at the airport
- Tell the gate agent if you need transfer assistance
- Confirm assistance again at connections and arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Word
Southwest Airlines wheelchair assistance can help Customers throughout the airport journey, including curb assistance, gate access, connections, boarding, transfer support, and arrival.
If you are travelling with your own wheelchair or mobility device, provide the airline with accurate dimensions, weight, battery information, and handling instructions before travel.
For general assistance, contact Southwest at 1-800-435-9792.