Medical devices and batteries
We are dedicated to the safe transport of approved medical devices and batteries. Please review the following guidelines to help ensure a smooth travel experience.
Medical devices
General guidelines
We accept most approved medical devices for transport. However, some devices cannot be used during critical flight phases (taxi, take-off, or landing), as they may interfere with communication and navigation systems.
- Device condition: Ensure that your medical device is in good repair. This includes being free from oil, grease, damage, or excessive wear and tear. The device should also be appropriately labelled.
- Stowing medical devices: Medical devices must be stowed under the seat in front of you or the overhead bin during taxiing, take-off, and landing.
- Powering off: If it is determined that a device is affecting aircraft operations, it must be powered off immediately.
- Charging: Charging ports are NOT available on board, and medical devices and their batteries cannot be charged using these ports as they are not designed for such use. We are not liable for any harm or damage caused by attempting to use the power supply for medical devices.
Travelling with batteries
There are strict criteria for travelling with batteries or battery-operated equipment. Please follow the information below to ensure your batteries are properly prepared for transport:
- Battery safety: Batteries are classified as dangerous goods, and Flair Airlines takes their handling very seriously. Batteries not properly identified and prepared at check-in will not be accepted.
- Battery removal: The battery in certain items, such as smart bags, wheelchairs, and mobility aids, may need to be removed or deactivated.
- Our team can assist if needed, provided you have the manufacturer’s or verbal instructions.
- Protection against short circuits: All battery terminals must be recessed or packaged to protect them from contact with metal objects, including other batteries. The battery may remain attached to the mobility aid if terminals are properly isolated and controls are switched off. Electrical wiring and terminals must be protected from damage and short circuits. Customers may check in one spare battery if it is properly contained. **A maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spares each not exceeding 160 Wh may be carried.
Sufficient battery supply: Bring an adequate supply of approved batteries to meet your specific needs. As a guideline, consider bringing enough to cover 1.5 times the total duration of your travel, including flight time, ground time, and potential delays.
Battery-powered wheelchairs & mobility aids
Customers are permitted to check in one manual or battery-powered (electric) wheelchair or assistive device as part of their checked baggage.
Non-spillable dry cell battery
- Checked baggage only.
- Ensure battery terminals are protected from short circuits.
- The battery must be securely attached to the wheelchair.
Wet cell battery
- These batteries have the same restrictions as dry cell batteries if the wheelchair or mobility device remains upright during transport.
- If not upright, the battery will be removed and packed in a strong, rigid, leak-proof container to contain any fluid leakage.
- The battery must be stored upright in the container, surrounded by absorbent material.
Spill-resistant batteries
- Ensure that batteries are fitted with spill-resistant vent caps.
Battery handling for medical and mobility devices
Loading and Securing Batteries
The battery type must be identified (by CSA, CSC, or the customer).
Specific Battery Guidelines
Non-Spillable (Gel-Cell) Batteries (WCBD)
Non-spillable (gel-cell) batteries can only be checked in with a mobility aid. Flair will not otherwise accept these batteries. The battery may remain attached to the mobility aid if terminals are properly isolated and controls are switched off. Electrical wiring and terminals must be protected from damage and short circuits with coverings or an encasement. Customers may check in one spare battery if properly contained and terminals isolated.
Spillable (Wet-Cell) Batteries (WCBW)
Batteries must be removed and packed separately in airline-approved leak-proof packaging. Packaging must be labelled "Battery, wet with wheelchair/mobility aid" and include a corrosive label and orientation markings. Batteries must be secured upright with absorbent material sufficient to contain any leaks.
Lithium-Ion Batteries (WCLB)
Batteries do not need to be removed unless the device lacks adequate protection. If the battery is not removed, all electrical cables and controls must be protected, and the controls should be turned to the "off" position. Additionally, if there is a master switch, it must also be turned off. If the battery is removed from the mobility aid, the customer must carry it on board.
Maximum battery capacity:
- 300 Wh for a single-battery mobility aid
- 160 Wh per battery for dual-battery mobility aids
Gate handling and storage
Customers may request gate delivery of their mobility aid. A Gate Delivery tag with the customer’s name, flight number, and destination must be attached. For departures, wheelchairs must be placed in plastic bags and zip-tied. Upon arrival, wheelchairs will be offloaded and delivered promptly to the aircraft door.
For further assistance, contact our Customer Care team before your flight.
Customers may carry:
- One spare battery (max 300 Wh)
OR
- Two spare batteries (each max 160 Wh)
Batteries removed from mobility aids must be contained appropriately.
Syringes and medical supplies
Needles and syringes
Needles and syringes are accepted in your carry-on baggage, but syringes must be accompanied by the medication they are intended to administer.
The medication must be labelled with a pharmacy-dispensed label that includes your name.
Syringes must have protective needle guards and be carried in a proper medical container.
Sharps disposal
If you use needles during your flight, please dispose of them in the designated sharps container. Our inflight crew will direct you to its location.
Packing tips for medical equipment
We recommend packing all medical equipment and medications in your carry-on baggage. Do not pack them in your checked baggage, as you may need immediate access to them.
For more info on battery acceptance and restrictions, please visit Electronic Devices Flair Airlines - Restricted and Prohibited Items.