Southwest Airlines has announced a new policy requiring passengers to keep battery packs and other portable charging devices visible during flights due to fire risk concerns.
As of May 28, the airline will prohibit storing these items in bags or overhead bins while they are in use. The move aims to enhance crew response times in case of potential fires.
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in gadgets like smartphones and medical devices, can overheat and catch fire under certain conditions. Since this year, there have been at least 22 incidents related to air travel involving lithium batteries.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) already prohibits carrying spare lithium-ion batteries, including power banks, in checked bags. However, Southwest’s new policy requires passengers to remove these items from carry-on bags and keep them visible.
When using a portable charger or power bank on board, it must be outside of any baggage and in plain sight, according to the airline’s website. Passengers are also advised not to charge devices in overhead bins.
This move follows similar restrictions implemented by governments in South Korea, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries. A recent incident involving an Air Busan plane in January suggests that portable power banks can pose a fire risk during flights.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/21/nx-s1-5406294/southwest-airlines-will-require-passengers-to-keep-chargers-visible-due-to-fire-risk