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TUI Denies Boarding Over Unlabelled Mobility Scooter Battery

The case highlights strict airline rules requiring clear battery labels with proof of specifications.

Overview

  • Carol Hutchins was stopped at Manchester Airport in October 2025 after staff found her scooter battery had no visible identification label.
  • TUI said it had emailed its Conditions of Carriage multiple times, which tell customers to show the battery type, watt-hour rating, and manufacturer instructions.
  • An airport duty manager arranged a replacement scooter at the Fuerteventura resort, and TUI offered two later flights plus goodwill vouchers.
  • Hutchins and her daughter declined the options because she did not feel safe traveling without her own scooter, leaving her more than £1,000 out of pocket.
  • TUI guidance permits non‑spillable or lithium batteries within set watt-hour limits, bans spillable wet batteries, and requires spare batteries in the cabin, with specs available from the maker or the British Healthcare Trades Association.