Starting May 28, Southwest Airlines will implement a new policy requiring passengers to keep portable chargers in plain sight while in use during flights. This includes all battery-powered charging devices, such as power banks and battery cases for phones.
Under the new policy, portable chargers cannot be used while stored in the overhead bin or under the seat. They must remain visible whenever they are actively charging a device. If the portable charger is not in use, it may remain stored in a carry-on bag as usual.
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Southwest is the first U.S. airline to adopt such a rule. Although the change currently applies only to Southwest, other airlines may follow with similar restrictions.
The policy aligns with growing concerns over lithium-ion battery safety in air travel. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data, 22 verified incidents involving lithium-ion batteries have occurred so far in 2024. Last year set a record with 89 incidents, and since 2006, a total of 620 incidents have been reported. The most common sources of these incidents are battery packs, vaping devices, and cell phones.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) already prohibits lithium batteries—both rechargeable and non-rechargeable—in checked luggage, while permitting them in carry-on bags. With Southwest’s new rule, visible placement during use becomes an additional requirement.
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Southwest recommends that if passengers observe signs of overheating or fire, they should notify flight attendants immediately. Crew members are trained to respond to lithium battery-related incidents in the cabin.