Assistive Devices

Delta allows a customer to travel with a mobility/assistive device that requires batteries as well as spare batteries used to power such devices. Both spillable (wet-cell) and non-spillable (gel) batteries are allowed as checked baggage provided the following:

• Battery must be securely attached to assistive device
  
• Battery must be able to be visually inspected for signs of damage or leakage
  
• When transporting non-spillable batteries, the terminal leads must be detached and insulated with tape to prevent accidental short circuits 
• Gel type batteries do not require the battery to be disconnected provided the battery terminals are insulated to prevent accidental short circuits
• Exception: a non-spillable battery may be transported without disconnecting the battery if
  • The non-spillable battery contained in the wheelchair is completely enclosed in a rigid case or compartment that is integral to its design of the wheelchair or another mobility device
  • The design of the wheelchair must provide an effective means of preventing accidental activation such as:
    • Turning off or removing the key
    • Turning a kill switch
    • Removing a power arm

Please note: If the assistive device cannot be loaded on the aircraft in an upright position, spillable batteries must be removed and packaged in special packaging provided by Delta. If the device can be loaded upright, terminals will be disconnected and insulated to prevent unintentional activation.

Additional restrictions apply to lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, please see information below.

Lithium Ion Batteries

• Customers are permitted to travel with lithium ion batteries that contain a maximum of 160-watt hours per battery.
  
  • Any lithium ion battery containing more than 160-watt hours is prohibited on all passenger aircraft.
• Lithium ion batteries installed in a personal electronic device can be transported as checked or carry-on baggage. 
  
• Lithium ion batteries not installed in a device (spares) must be in carry-on baggage and no more than two (2) spares between 100 and 160-watt hours are allowed.   
  

Quantity Limits for Lithium Batteries:

Each person is limited to a maximum of 20 spare batteries.

For more information on dangerous goods, visit the FAA's Pack Safe page and TSA What Can I Bring page. Damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries must not be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. Additional information concerning recalled consumer batteries and battery systems may be located on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

Lithium Ion Battery Powered Mobility Devices

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that Delta allow customers to travel with lithium ion powered mobility devices within the federal restrictions listed below. 

• For lithium ion-powered mobility devices that are collapsible and contain an easily removed battery:
  • Customers may carry on the 1 installed battery, as well as 2 spare batteries. 
  • Each battery must be capable of less than 300 watt-hours or contain less than 25 grams of lithium content, which is labeled on the battery.
• For mobility devices where the lithium battery is installed as an integral part of the device:
  
  • The device must be carried in the cargo compartment. It will not count toward a customer's baggage allowance and will be transported free of charge.
  • The device must be turned off. There must be at least 1 method of preventing accidental activation.
  • There is no battery size limit.
  • The battery casing, if exposed or accessible, must provide protection to the battery. 

Spare Lithium Ion Batteries

Customers are permitted to travel with no more than 3 lithium ion batteries (one installed in a personal electronic device and two spares).  Spares must be in carry-on baggage and cannot be gate checked.

Each battery must hold no more than 160 watt-hours. Any lithium ion battery capable of more than 160 watt-hours is prohibited on all passenger aircraft.

A lithium ion battery installed in a personal electronic device can be transported as checked or carry-on baggage.

How to properly transport spare lithium batteries:     

• Pack spare batteries in carry-on baggage.
  
• Keep spare batteries in the original retail packaging, to prevent unintentional activation or short-circuiting.
  
• If the original packaging is not available, effectively insulate battery terminals by isolating spare batteries from contact with other batteries and metal.
  
  • Place each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package.
    
  • Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys, or jewelry.
• Loose lithium batteries must have tape places across the battery's contacts to isolate the terminals and prevent short circuiting.
• Take steps to prevent crushing, puncturing, or putting a high degree of pressure on the battery, as this can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.

For more information on dangerous goods, visit the FAA's Pack Safe page and TSA What Can I Bring page. Damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries must not be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. Additional information concerning recalled consumer batteries and battery systems may be located on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

Lithium Battery Powered Self-Balancing Personal Transportation Devices (i.e hoverboards)

Delta Air Lines does not accept lithium battery powered self-balancing personal transportation devices (i.e., hoverboards). These items are prohibited as both carry-on and checked baggage on all mainline and Delta Connection flights.

Portable Electonic Devices

Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) should be transported in carry-on baggage and not placed in checked baggage. 

When that is not possible: the devices should be completely powered down to the OFF position (they should not be left in sleep mode), protected from accidental activation, and packed so they are protected from damage.

Each person is limited to a maximum of 15 PEDs.

Damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries must not be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. Additional information concerning recalled batteries and battery systems may be located on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website. 

Smart Baggage

Recent developments of innovative baggage with integrated lithium batteries, commonly known as "smart baggage" are being marketed and sold to the traveling public. These devices include integrated lithium batteries, motors, power banks, GPS, GSM, Bluetooth, RFID or Wi-Fi technology. The presence of the lithium batteries can contravene various regulatory requirements. These devices require careful attention - even if permitted by the applicable regulations. 

Examples of "smart" baggage include features such as:

• Lithium-ion battery and motor allowing it to be used as a personal transportation device, either as a stand-up scooter, or sit on vehicle. These devices do not meet the criteria of a mobility device
• Lithium-ion battery power bank that allows charging of other electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops
• GPS tracking devices with or without GSM capability
• Bluetooth, RFID and Wi-Fi capability
• Electronic baggage tags
• Electronic Lock/s
• Lithium-ion battery, motor and tracking device (GPS) allowing the bag to self-propel and 'follow' the owner

Restrictions that apply to the carriage of this smart baggage. Specifically, that:

• The lithium-ion batteries must have a power rating of not more than 100Wh unless the customer has approval from the operator, in which case the lithium battery must not have a Watt-hour rating exceeding 160Wh
• Customers checking a smart bag with a removable lithium-ion battery must remove it and take it with them into the cabin. Customers carrying-on a smart bag containing a removable lithium-ion battery must remove it from the designed enclosure prior to boarding the aircraft. Once the battery is removed from the bag’s designed enclosure, the battery may be placed inside the carry-on bag. The removable battery does not need to be carried separately from the smart baggage.
• Where a bag intended to be carried in the cabin is surrendered at the boarding gate or on the aircraft to be loaded in the cargo compartment, the customer must remove lithium-ion batteries from the bag before it can be loaded into the cargo compartment. The spare battery/power bank must then be carried in the cabin.