Southwest Airways is implementing a brand new security coverage, efficient Might 28, requiring passengers to maintain transportable telephone chargers and energy banks seen throughout flights whenever you’re charging a tool. The airline will prohibit the usage of these units whereas they’re saved in carry-on luggage or overhead bins, aiming to mitigate the chance of lithium-ion battery fires.
This coverage change is available in response to a collection of incidents involving overheating lithium-ion batteries. In keeping with the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been 22 battery-related incidents on flights in 2025 alone, following a document 89 such occasions in 2024. Notably, a fireplace aboard an Air Busan flight in South Korea in January — suspected to have been brought on by an influence financial institution with deteriorated insulation — led to the evacuation of 176 folks, together with passengers and crew.
Learn extra: The Finest Approach to Pack Your Carry-On Bag to Breeze Via TSA Traces
Whereas the FAA and the Transportation Safety Administration presently permit lithium-powered units, like e-cigarettes and energy banks, in carry-on baggage however prohibit them in checked luggage, they don’t mandate that transportable chargers be stored in plain sight. Southwest’s new coverage goes a step additional, aligning with practices already adopted by some Asia-based carriers, together with Singapore Airways, AirAsia and all South Korean airways, based on Reuters.
This transfer by Southwest Airways displays a rising concern within the aviation {industry} relating to the secure transport and use of lithium-ion batteries on plane. Passengers are inspired to remain knowledgeable about airline insurance policies and to deal with digital units with care to make sure a secure journey expertise.
“Southwest will introduce a first-in-industry security coverage on Might 28 requiring clients to maintain transportable charging units seen whereas in use throughout flight,” Southwest Airways confirmed in a press release to CNET by way of e mail. “Utilizing transportable charging units whereas saved in a bag or overhead bin will not be permitted. Nothing is extra essential to Southwest than the security of its clients and staff.”
For extra travel-related articles, discover these journey necessities you want for each trip after which check out this journey guidelines. You also needs to learn concerning the new Actual ID requirement for getting via airport safety.
