“Can you take an electric scooter on a plane” is a common question for travelers. This guide explains U.S. airline policies, including checked baggage rules and battery restrictions. According to 2024 FAA regulations, most e-scooters can only be checked due to battery limits. For airline-specific rules, check updated database.
Airline Policies
- Prohibited Airlines
- Southwest: No e-scooters
- Frontier: All lithium batteries banned
- Spirit: Frame only (no battery)
- Conditional Airlines
- Delta: Batteries <160Wh allowed
- American: 48-hour notice required
- United: 2 per flight max
- Flexible Airlines
- Alaska: Provides special cases
- JetBlue: Priority check-in available
- Hawaiian: Island route exceptions
Battery Rules
- FAA Limits
- ≤100Wh: Carry-on allowed
- 100-160Wh: Airline approval
- 160Wh: Strictly prohibited
- Packaging
- Insulated terminals
- Short-circuit prevention
- Exposed part protection
- Quantity
- ≤2 spare batteries
- Must be carried on
- No checked batteries
Check-in Prep
- Scooter Prep
- Full power off
- Tires 50% deflated
- Handles folded
- Packing
- Original box preferred
- Adequate padding
- Fragile labels
- Insurance
- Declared value
- Exclusion review
- Special item coverage
Check-in Process
- Documents
- Battery MSDS sheet
- Purchase receipt
- Airline forms
- Inspection
- Secondary screening
- Battery testing
- Waiver signing
- Fees
- Oversized baggage
- Special item charge
- Weight fees
International Flights
- Destination Rules
- EU CE certification
- Asian import taxes
- Middle East bans
- Connections
- Transit policy conflicts
- Baggage transfer issues
- Temporary storage
- Customs
- Personal item declaration
- Proof of value
- Temporary import
Alternatives
- Rental Options
- Local rental prices
- Model availability
- Insurance coverage
- Shipping
- Specialized carriers
- Ground transport safety
- Door-to-door service
- Storage
- Airport long-term parking
- City lockers
- Hotel holding
novascooter reports 6 U.S. airlines updated e-scooter policies in 2024 Q2, with Delta introducing “dedicated e-scooter check-in.” Warning: Crews can deny transport for safety – always have a backup plan.
