Qantas allows power assist wheelchair batteries (including SmartDrive) to travel as assistive mobility equipment. Lithium-ion batteries under 300Wh are permitted, but they must be declared in advance and approved as Dangerous Goods before you fly.
Qantas requirements can change, so always confirm the latest wheelchair and battery rules directly with Qantas before you travel.
What Qantas Needs From You:
- Battery watt-hour information
- Confirmation it is for a mobility device
- That it is under 300Wh
- That you will carry it safely (not loose inside luggage)
- Request wheelchair assistance or tell Qantas you’re travelling with your own mobility aid at least 48 hours before travel where possible. Qantas currently recommends advance notice to help avoid delays.
- Qantas allows one spare battery up to 300Wh, or two spare batteries up to 160Wh each, carried in cabin baggage with terminals protected.
How to Request Qantas Approval
Use Qantas’ current “Request airline approval” process for battery-powered mobility aids before you travel.
Have the following ready:
- your booking details
- the battery specification sheet
- a clear photo of the battery label
- the battery watt-hour (Wh) rating
- details of the wheelchair or mobility device
When Qantas confirms the approval, save a copy of the confirmation and have it available at check-in.
For removable lithium-ion batteries, Qantas currently allows batteries up to 300Wh, subject to airline approval and the required protection against short circuit and damage.
Send your battery specification sheet, a clear photo of the battery label, and your flight booking details.
When Qantas confirms the approval, save a copy of the confirmation email and have it ready to show at check-in.
At check-in, you can say:
“I’ve received Qantas Dangerous Goods approval for this wheelchair battery, and I have the approval confirmation with me.”
And show them your certificate.
LAST REVIEWED
21 August 2026
Airline requirements can change. Confirm current requirements directly with Qantas before travel.
