Southwest Airlines has announced a new rule requiring passengers to keep portable battery packs or chargers visible during mid-flight use. The move aims to reduce the risk of batteries causing onboard fires.
As of May 28, using portable charging devices while stored in a bag or overhead bin will no longer be permitted. Passengers must have their charger out of any baggage and in plain sight when used during a flight. The airline emphasizes the importance of customer safety, stating that “nothing is more important” than preventing fires.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recorded over 600 in-flight lithium battery incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat since the past two decades. Although current FAA rules prohibit carrying spare lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage, Southwest’s new rule tightens the requirements further.
Several Asian airlines have also introduced similar restrictions on carrying lithium batteries on planes. In South Korea, a power bank was found to be a possible source of fire that engulfed an Air Busan plane during takeoff. As a result, nationwide restrictions were imposed, banning passengers from storing power banks and e-cigarettes in overhead cabins.
Lithium-ion battery experts warn that these batteries are highly reactive and flammable, posing a significant risk of ignition or fueling fires. To mitigate this risk, passengers are advised to inspect their power banks before travel for signs of swelling or damage and dispose of them according to local regulations if necessary.
Southwest’s move aims to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with portable chargers on flights, emphasizing customer safety above all else.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/22/travel/southwest-airlines-tightens-rules-visible-portable-chargers